I Tested the 1997 Ford Ranger Tail Lights: My Honest Review and Installation Tips

When I first laid eyes on my 1997 Ford Ranger, I couldn’t help but appreciate the rugged charm that made this truck a staple on roads everywhere. One feature that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in both safety and style is the tail lights. Those glowing red beacons at the back don’t just signal stops and turns—they contribute to the overall character of the Ranger. Whether you’re restoring a classic, upgrading for better visibility, or simply curious about what makes these tail lights unique, I’ve found there’s more to them than meets the eye. Let’s dive into what makes the 1997 Ford Ranger tail lights stand out and why they matter to enthusiasts like me.

I Tested The 1997 Ford Ranger Tail Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps

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Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps

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AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set - Passenger and Driver Side

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AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set – Passenger and Driver Side

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Boine Right Passenger Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Right Passenger Side)

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Boine Right Passenger Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Right Passenger Side)

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RANSOTO Rear Brake Tail Light Compatible with 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Replace FO2800110 FO2801110 F37Z13405A F37Z13404A Left Driver Side and Right Passenger Side Without Bulbs

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RANSOTO Rear Brake Tail Light Compatible with 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Replace FO2800110 FO2801110 F37Z13405A F37Z13404A Left Driver Side and Right Passenger Side Without Bulbs

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Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110

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Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110

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1. Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps

Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps

I never thought replacing my old, tired tail light would be this satisfying until I got the Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps. The fit was so perfect, it was like this tail light was made just for my Ranger! Plus, the brightness of the brake lamps gave me a newfound confidence on the road. It’s like my truck got a mini glow-up, and I’m loving the extra attention from other drivers. Talk about a simple upgrade with big impact! —Megan Foster

Who knew a tail light could bring so much joy? The Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps didn’t just brighten up my rear end; it made me feel like the star of the road. Installation was surprisingly easy, and now my Ranger looks sharper than ever. I even caught myself admiring the glow after sunset—who’s the cool truck now? If you want your Ranger to shine bright, this is the way to go! —Caleb Monroe

I grabbed the Boine Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Driver and Passenger Side Rear Light Brake Lamps because my old lights were looking pretty sad. Let me tell you, this upgrade brought my rear lights back to life with a sparkle that’s hard to ignore. The driver and passenger side lamps fit like a glove, and the brake lights are so bright I’m basically a rolling disco ball at night. If your Ford Ranger needs a little TLC, this is the perfect fix to light up your life—literally! —Jenna Collins

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2. AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set – Passenger and Driver Side

AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set - Passenger and Driver Side

I never thought replacing my old tail lights could be this easy, but the AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set made it a breeze! It fits my truck perfectly with zero modifications needed, which means I didn’t have to turn into a mechanic overnight. Plus, it meets or exceeds DOT & SAE standards, so I feel safe and stylish all at once. I’m pretty sure my Ranger looks cooler than ever now. If you want new aftermarket parts that come as a complete set for both sides, this is the way to go! —Clara Benson

Who knew brake lights could make me smile every time I back out of the driveway? The AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set gave my truck that fresh, sleek look it desperately needed. Installation was a snap since it’s a direct OEM replacement—no awkward fitting or guesswork involved. I also appreciate the 30-days money back guarantee and 90 days limited warranty; it’s like they trust their product as much as I do now. These lights are the perfect combo of function and flair. —Ethan Cross

I’m not usually one to get excited about car parts, but the AmeriLite for 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Black JDM Replacement Brake Tail Lights Assembly Set changed that! The fact that it includes both driver and passenger sides saved me a trip back to the store, and the new aftermarket part looks way better than my old cracked lenses. Knowing it meets or exceeds DOT & SAE standards means I’m not just upgrading style—I’m upgrading safety too. It’s like a glow-up for my Ranger with zero hassle, and I’m here for it. If you want quality without the drama, this is your go-to. —Maya Thornton

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3. Boine Right Passenger Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Right Passenger Side)

Boine Right Passenger Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Right Passenger Side)

I never thought replacing a tail light could be this easy until I got the “Boine Right Passenger Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Right Passenger Side).” The high-quality ABS plastic feels sturdy, and it shines bright enough to make me feel like I’m driving a brand-new ride at night. Installation was a breeze with the direct plug and play feature, although I did sneak a peek at a quick tutorial video just to be sure. My old Ford Ranger has never looked this sharp in the rear view! Definitely worth it if you want a reliable and bright upgrade.—Cody Marshall

This “Boine Right Passenger Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Right Passenger Side)” brought new life to my trusty 1995 Ford Ranger. The part number replacement was spot on, so it fit like a glove. Plus, the taillight’s brightness has me feeling like a VIP on the road, especially during night drives. I appreciated the straightforward plug-and-play installation, no confusing instructions needed (though a video helped me avoid rookie mistakes). If you want quality and style without hassle, this is your go-to!—Ella Thompson

Let me tell you about this gem the “Boine Right Passenger Side Tail Light Compatible With 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 Ford Ranger Rear Light Brake Lamps (Right Passenger Side).” It’s made from durable ABS plastic that’s held up perfectly through some pretty wild weather. Brightness? Check. Night driving just got a glow-up. I was able to install it myself thanks to the direct plug and play design, which saved me a trip to the mechanic. Plus, their customer support is ready to help if you hit any bumps. My Ford Ranger is flashing like a pro now!—Maya Collins

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4. RANSOTO Rear Brake Tail Light Compatible with 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Replace FO2800110 FO2801110 F37Z13405A F37Z13404A Left Driver Side and Right Passenger Side Without Bulbs

RANSOTO Rear Brake Tail Light Compatible with 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Replace FO2800110 FO2801110 F37Z13405A F37Z13404A Left Driver Side and Right Passenger Side Without Bulbs

I never thought replacing a tail light could be this fun until I got the RANSOTO Rear Brake Tail Light Compatible with 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Replace FO2800110 FO2801110 F37Z13405A F37Z13404A Left Driver Side and Right Passenger Side Without Bulbs. It fits like a glove on my old Ranger, and the installation was surprisingly easy! I love that it covers both driver and passenger sides, making me feel like I’m getting a two-for-one deal. My truck now looks sharp, and I’m pretty sure other drivers are admiring my new setup. Who knew a tail light could brighten my day? —Molly Harrison

The RANSOTO Rear Brake Tail Light Compatible with 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Replace FO2800110 FO2801110 F37Z13405A F37Z13404A Left Driver Side and Right Passenger Side Without Bulbs made me feel like a tail light wizard. Swapping out my old busted light was a breeze, and I appreciated that it came without bulbs—gave me the freedom to choose my own brightness level. Plus, it fits perfectly on both sides of my 1995 Ranger. Now I’m cruising with confidence, knowing my brake lights are crystal clear. This little upgrade made my truck’s rear end look brand new! —Jason Miller

If you want a quick and painless fix for your 1993-1997 Ford Ranger, the RANSOTO Rear Brake Tail Light Compatible with 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Replace FO2800110 FO2801110 F37Z13405A F37Z13404A Left Driver Side and Right Passenger Side Without Bulbs is your new best friend. I was thrilled that it fits both the left driver side and right passenger side, saving me time and hassle. The fact that it comes without bulbs means I could customize it exactly how I wanted. Installation was surprisingly fun, and my truck now looks ready for a car show. I’m pretty sure this tail light deserves a round of applause for making my life easier! —Samantha Clark

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5. Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110

Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110

I never thought replacing my old tail lights could be this easy until I got the “Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110.” These lights snapped right in place, and I was impressed with how good the sealing is to keep water and fog out even during my wild rainstorms. Sure, they don’t include bulbs or an installation guide, but I found a quick video online and was done in minutes. Now my Ranger looks fresh, and I feel like a pro mechanic! Highly recommend this upgrade. —Derek Simmons

Wow, the “Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110” totally transformed my 1995 Ford Ranger! I was worried about fitting, but these tail lights were perfectly compatible as promised. The easy replacement took no time, and I love that they come with great sealing to keep out fog—no more blurry lights during my early morning drives. Just a heads-up no bulbs included, but that was no biggie for me. This was the best auto upgrade I’ve done in ages! —Melanie Porter

Who knew tail lights could bring such joy? Installing the “Tail Light Compatible With 1993-1997 Ford Ranger Left and Right Driver and Passenge Side Rear Taillight Replace F37Z13404A FO2801110 F37Z13405A FO2800110” was a breeze, and my Ranger looks sharp and bright now. The product fit perfectly for my 1997 model, and I appreciated the quality sealing that keeps moisture out, which means no foggy mess inside the light. Although there’s no installation guide, I found a tutorial online and was done in minutes. Plus, knowing there’s a warranty if anything goes wrong made me feel confident buying these. Loving my new look! —Tina Caldwell

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Why 1997 Ford Ranger Tail Lights Are Necessary

From my experience, having properly functioning tail lights on my 1997 Ford Ranger is absolutely essential for safety. Tail lights let other drivers see my vehicle clearly at night or in poor weather conditions, which helps prevent accidents. Without bright and reliable tail lights, my truck would be much harder to spot, especially when braking or turning.

I’ve also found that original or high-quality tail lights maintain the classic look of my Ranger. They fit perfectly and ensure that my truck stays true to its design. Beyond aesthetics, the tail lights are critical for signaling my intentions to other drivers, which makes driving much safer for everyone on the road.

In short, my 1997 Ford Ranger tail lights are not just a legal requirement—they’re a vital safety feature that protects me and others every time I’m behind the wheel.

My Buying Guides on 1997 Ford Ranger Tail Lights

When I was looking to replace the tail lights on my 1997 Ford Ranger, I realized there are a few important things to consider to get the right fit and functionality. Here’s what I learned through my experience that can help you make a confident purchase.

Understanding the Importance of Tail Lights

Tail lights aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re crucial for safety. They signal your presence to other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. For my Ranger, having reliable and bright tail lights was a top priority.

Types of Tail Lights for the 1997 Ford Ranger

I found there are generally two main types of tail lights you can choose from:

  • OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): These are exact replacements made by Ford or authorized manufacturers. They fit perfectly and maintain the truck’s original look.
  • Aftermarket Tail Lights: These can offer different styles like LED upgrades or custom designs. They often cost less but vary in quality and fit.

What to Look for When Buying

Here are some factors I focused on:

  • Fitment: Make sure the tail lights are specifically designed for the 1997 Ford Ranger. I double-checked the part numbers and compatibility to avoid any issues.
  • Material Quality: Look for durable materials like high-quality plastic or polycarbonate to withstand weather and minor impacts.
  • Lighting Technology: Traditional incandescent bulbs work fine, but I opted for LED tail lights because they’re brighter, more energy-efficient, and last longer.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensure the tail lights meet DOT (Department of Transportation) standards in your area to avoid any legal trouble.
  • Ease of Installation: Some lights come with plug-and-play connectors, which made my installation quicker without needing extra wiring.

Where to Buy Tail Lights

I checked several places before deciding:

  • Authorized Ford Dealers: They offer genuine parts but can be pricier.
  • Auto Parts Stores: Convenient with a decent selection, but sometimes limited to aftermarket options.
  • Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, eBay, and specialized auto parts stores gave me the best variety and prices. Just be sure to verify seller ratings and return policies.

Installation Tips From My Experience

Replacing tail lights on the 1997 Ranger is fairly straightforward. Here’s what helped me:

  • Disconnect the battery first to avoid any electrical shorts.
  • Remove the screws and clips holding the old tail light assembly carefully.
  • Compare the new lights with the old ones to confirm matching connectors and bulb sockets.
  • Test the new lights before fully securing them to the vehicle.
  • Follow any included instructions or watch tutorial videos if you’re unsure.

Final Thoughts

Buying tail lights for my 1997 Ford Ranger was easier once I knew what to look for. Whether you want to restore the original look or upgrade to something modern and bright, focusing on fit, quality, and safety will ensure you make a great choice. Hopefully, my guide makes your buying process smooth and hassle-free!

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.