When I bought my 07 F150 new I noticed the 3rd brake light leaked water into the cab. I took it back to the dealer and they hired a sub contractor to seal it. Now the brake light is out and I want to replace it with an LED or a long life bulb. Any opinions, part numbers, and/or specific bulbs I should use? I want to replace all (3) of them.
Also, what is everyone using as a gasket? I have heard of some using rubber butyl, clear silicone, or ordering a gasket online from E-BAY. Any suggestions?

 

Remove the gasket they added and apply a bead of clear silicone. Let it cure before reapplying or you'll end up epoxying it. I learned the hard way.

Yes, go with leds. I tried a bunch that weren't bright enough and eventually got the ones listed below. You need to get a red colored led for the brake light (with leds, always match the bulb color to the lense color) and you can get cool white, warm white or natura white for the cargo lights.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...se-tower/1129/

I did all of this to my truck last fall. No leaks and the lights work great. I have the same bulbs I listed above in my third take light, you can see it's plenty bright enough when compared to my taillights (silverstars).

 

When changing over to LED's, did you have to change anything else so they wouldn't cause any electrical problems? Or just replace the bulbs?

 

No issues with the third brake light. Totaly plug n play. Rear and front turn signals are a different story and need a new flasher unit.

 

Thanks!

 

You're welcome. The LEDs I linked work really well too. Just remember when applying a silicone bead (if that's the route you choose) to let it cure fully. I didn't let it cure the first time and it epoxy'd the TBL to the roof. The fixture completely came apart and I ended up having to buy a new housing.

With my LEDs in there, I doubt I'll ever open it again.

The lamp sockets may be a bit melted on yours and you might want to replace them at the same time. Theyre cheep plastic and the standard bulbs melt them. You can use the metal ones out of super duty if you want to upgrade.

 

I was thinking about buying this gasket. Opinions?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-08-Ford...-/221773008395

 

I'd go with a bead of silicone over a foam gasket. Sure maybe they're redesigned, but all the 04-08s leaked, and the 09+ leaked as well. I don't trust any of them, redesigned, aftermarket, or whatever.

 

I read the Ford TSB about this and it says to turn your A/C on full power (non-recirc), roll up all windows, close all doors, and spray a soapy water mix on the brake light. If it is leaking you will see bubbles, it will also show you where it is leaking. Cool trick I thought and I'll be doing it to mine this weekend to see if mine is leaking.