There was a point in time where removing the headlights from a large sport utility vehicle was as simple as removing a metal ring that ran around the outer edge of the large headlight lens but those days are long gone. In the 3rd generation Dodge Durango, removing the headlight housings entails removing the front fascia and while that can be a daunting task for a novice mechanic – we have a DIY here on DodgeForum.com that walks you through each step of the procedure.
Best of all, only one inexpensive “special tool” is needed to make the Dodge Durango headlight removal easier and the DF’er who put together this DIY explains what tool you need, how much it costs and where to buy it. After that, simple everyday tools will allow you to remove the front fascia of the Durango so that you can remove the headlights. This DIY is also helpful for anyone looking to change or paint the grille filler in the front fascia so if you have a 3rd gen Durango and you are looking to do any sort of work that involves removing the fascia – this DIY is one worth bookmarking.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
