Some of you might know that I have been slowly getting my Ranger back into good and running shape.

I've fixed many issues on it, big and small and even a few half-assed "hidden" issues with the little truck.

One of the most annoying problems is the fact that after any sort of precipitation, my passenger side floor is soaked. Many of you have experienced this also.

I've already replaced the windshield, cleaned the drains out of sludge and even had the heater core replaced. Still I am left with a wet carpet.

I have ordered this part off of eBay:
1993 2011 Ford Ranger Third Brake Light Seal 3rd Brake Light Gasket New | eBay

I decided why not give it a shot, especially after the heater core replacement didn't solve the issue. Thankfully, I was able to find someone in the Ranger community that has designed a replacement seal which seems like a better alternative than sealing it up with a tube of silicone.

I found this thread on TRS featuring the product's designer/manufacturer.

Third Brake Light Leak: Old problem, new approach to remedy. - The Ranger Station Forums

I will be giving a thorough product test and review once it arrives on either the 17th or the 18th of this month.

Anyone else have any success with this?

 

I used the RTV method when my headliner was getting soaked every time it rained. I just put the silicone on the housing and let it set most of the way so it wouldn't adhere to the cab then screwed it back on. Although I haven't taken it off since so who knows if my method is reusable but no more leak for just over a year now so I'm happy

 

I did the exact same thing. Let it dry just long enough. Had to do it twice because I let it dry too much the first time. I'll be replacing it with an LED light soon, so I guess we will find out how hard it is to get out now.

 

I was very tempted myself to take my own tube of silicone that is meant for glass repairs and trying something for a temporary fix, but just decided against it. Not that I didn't think something like the RTV method or even some silicone wouldn't have helped, but I just wanted to be able to take the light off with no worries.

The gasket I ordered should be here on the 16th, and today I clearly saw a few drips of water down from the headliner right where it lines up with the 3rd brake light.

I am at least glad to have finally found the leak.

On the bright side also...new carpet for a single-cab is roughly $150-200 bucks, so if I really feel up to it, I might end up replacing the carpet as well sometime down the line.

 

The RTV definitely works the question is really just wether the seal is just as functional when its been removed and put back on or if I'm going to have to re-seal it with new RTV. Not that I remove the third brake light often anyway.

 

Well everything came and a few days early to boot. I installed the gasket on the 14th.

The gasket in the picture of the product is about 2 times thicker than the Ford gasket you end up pulling out and is easily a much higher quality piece.

It was very easy to get it to set and the fit was pretty perfect.

I used some silicone to seal it against the 3rd brake light housing and let it set up in the garage overnight. Also replaced my 3rd brake light bulbs while everything was off and checked the cab for any rust or obvious leak points.

So far, no leaks. I'll get a better idea if this fixed it if my carpets finally start to not be damp over the next few days.

So far, so good.

 

Right, most of us on here probably don't remove them often at all.

The gasket I ordered does also look like it is easily reusable.

I am repainting either this Fall or Winter 2016 so I just wanted the gasket anyways.

 

I recently replaced my high mount brake light bulbs, the cargo lights still don't work, and found no gasket if any kind. But there was no apparent leak. Just lucky I guess. My new to me 99 ranger has several electrical issues. A gasket is going on my list of fixes.

 

Sounds like the wiring is compromised. I had the same thing happen to my turn signal wiring when I got a set of cheap ebay clears. Moisture with old wiring usually isn't a good mix.

If there isn't a gasket, that is kinda odd to me. There was absolutely no signs of a gasket between your third-brake light and the body of the cab?

One of these gaskets are noticeably thicker and more resilient than the Ford ones.

 

I was partly wrong. There was a gasket in the light, but well worn. A new gasket seems to work. The white cargo lights are another issue from the door switch. The lights work when I turn them on manually with the dash dimmer switch. I can live without them.