Should i buy this 3rd brake light assembly so water will not get in

[Gary DuBois]

https://www.partsgeek.com/39c243r-ford-ranger-third-brake-light.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ff&utm_content=UK&utm_campaign=PartsGeek+Google+Base&utm_term=1995-2003%2C+2008-2011+Ford+Ranger+Third+Brake+Light+SKP+95-03%2C+08-11+Ford+Third+Brake+Light+2001+1999&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17182816450&gbraid=0AAAAAD_bfN48RO1pBWCktWzUqmTfhacg7&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0uSmj7jmkgMVURKtBh2RCxDzEAQYAiABEgJXf_D_BwE

 

[JoshT]

You should verify that the third brake light is the actual source of your leak. It is also rather common for the rear windows to develop leaks over time.

The third brake light uses a gasket between it and the sheetmetal to seal and that gasket can fail over time. My '99 (and I think dad's '02) has the original gasket in place and are not leaking. If you determine leak to be rear brake light it is your choice to eithe rreplace the entire light assembly, or simply install a new gasket for the one that is there.

If the rear window is leaking you'll need to rmove it to replace the seal. They are held in palce with nuts from the inside, and sealed to the cab with butyl rubber rope. The seal comes in a roll and is available from most auto parts stores. Entirely possible to do the job by yourself, but having an extra set of hands can definitely help. Dad's 02 was leaking around the rear window and he was 69 and probably in similar condition to your dad's friend when he replaced it by himself. I have the feeling that my '99 is probably due for it as well, waiting for some warm dry weather to leave it open and dry out for a few days to see what happens.