Buy Mitsubishi Mighty Max Tail Light Assembly

The tail light sits at the back corners of the Mighty Max pickup. It lets drivers behind you know where the truck is and when you are slowing down. U.S. rules require the red light to be visible from 1,000 feet at night (NHTSA), and global lighting laws treat it as one of the most important safety parts on any vehicle (Wikipedia).

• 1983-1986 first-generation trucks (also sold as Dodge D50)
• 1987-1996 second-generation Mighty Max and badge-engineered Ram 50
• The L200/Cyclone pickups shipped overseas share the same lamp outline, so lenses often interchange across markets (Mitsubishi Forums).

• Dual-filament bulbs-dim filament for running light, bright filament for brake/turn. Typical size: 1157 or 1156, 12.8 V, 27 W (LightBulbs.com)
• Bolt-on housing with two Phillips screws accessed from the exterior
• Four-wire harness: tail, stop/turn, reverse, ground (Webflow)

Modern replacements use polycarbonate because it resists impact far better than acrylic yet stays clear under UV light (Fabrik Molded Plastics). Older OEM lenses were acrylic, which turned brittle and formed spider cracks over time (Reddit).

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 outlines intensity, color, and wiring tests (eCFR).
• Commercial-vehicle rules in 49 CFR 393.11 add reflector requirements for trucks over 10,000 lb GVWR (eCFR).
• California Vehicle Code §24603 says tail lamps must emit red light visible 500 ft and include a white license-plate lamp (Leginfo).

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• Seal gasket-wipe with silicone grease at every bulb change; if the rubber is missing, a thin bead of black RTV can stand in (MotorTrend).
• Polish the lens-use plastic cleaner, not glass compound, to avoid scratching the red surface.
• UV defense-park in shade or apply a clear UV film to slow fading.

1. Remove the two screws holding the lamp to the bed side.
2. Pull the housing straight back; unplug the four-pin connector (YouTube).
3. Swap bulbs or transfer wiring to the new assembly.
4. Test running, brake, turn, and reverse functions before reinstall.

Average DIY time: 15 minutes per side with a #2 screwdriver.

Incandescent 1157 bulbs are stock, but LED retrofit bulbs draw less current and light up 0.2 seconds faster-enough to shorten stopping distance for the car behind you by about 15 feet at 60 mph. Check that the LED carries a DOT mark; some tinted or "blackout" styles can violate local visibility laws (MotorTrend).

• All rear lamps out: verify tail-lamp fuse (#10 in cab fuse box) and check ground strap behind left lamp (YouTube).
• Only one side dead: inspect the brown/black ground wire shown in the Triton wiring diagram; a loose crimp will cut power to that side (Webflow).
• Fast-blinking turn signal: wrong bulb wattage or an open circuit-LEDs need a resistor or electronic flasher.

• Custom "Altezza" clear-lens kits add chrome reflectors and visual pop, but keep the original red bulbs so the light stays red (Wikipedia).
• Smoked covers may fail the 1,000-ft rule; apply lightly if at all (MotorTrend).
• Restoration polish: vintage-truck hobbyists often wet-sand fine scratches with 2000-grit paper, then buff with plastic polish for a like-new shine .

Mighty Max rear light, Dodge Ram 50 tail lamp, pickup brake light lens, L200 back lamp, Cyclone tail assembly, truck rear lamp housing.

Q: Which bulb number does the Mighty Max use?
A: Most years use a dual-filament 1157 for the stop/tail function and a single-filament 1156 for reverse (LightBulbs.com).

Q: Can I swap in LED bulbs without rewiring?
A: Yes, but you may need an electronic flasher or resistors to keep the blink rate normal (MotorTrend).

Q: Why does my new lamp fog up the first week?
A: Moisture from the air inside the housing condenses when the lamp cools. Run the lights for 20 minutes or crack the seal slightly, then reseal (Reddit).

Q: Are tail-light blackout films legal?
A: Many states ban dark films if they cut light output below DOT specs. Check FMVSS 108 and your state code before tinting (eCFR, Leginfo).

Q: My fuse keeps popping-where should I look first?
A: Follow the harness along the frame rail; chafed insulation near the bumper crossmember is common (Mitsubishi Forums).

Q: What material is the red lens?
A: Replacement lamps are usually impact-resistant polycarbonate; early OEM parts were acrylic (Fabrik Molded Plastics).

Q: How tight should I torque the screws?
A: Hand-tight only-about 2 N·m (18 in-lb). Over-tightening can crack the plastic (Reddit).

Q: Does a cracked lamp have to be replaced right away?
A: Yes. Cracks let water in, dull the reflector, and can earn a fix-it ticket if the break light stops shining red (Mitsubishi Forums).

By following these guidelines you'll keep the tail light on your Mitsubishi Mighty Max bright, legal, and looking sharp for the long haul.