2 types of tail light socket?
 

Why do we have 2 types of tail light sockets and buckets? The top one came out of my '72. The plastic clip broke so I went to my parts truck. Pulled out the socket and it's a different socket and bucket. Is there a years difference? The bottom picture is all I can find as a pig tail. If I want to replace with the original socket like the top picture, all I can find is the whole harness.

Re: 2 types of tail light socket?
 

That is interesting. The bottom one looks to me like a generic repair socket, as in keep your truck going because a reproduction of the OEM part is not available. Somebody cut out the old socket assembly leaving a rough hole, and the repair socket fits there.

If others don't chime in and tell you where to get the proper pigtail, I suggest post a want-to-buy ad in the parts section asking if somebody could dip into their stash of old wiring harnesses and cut that plug off for you. I've done that with success to get various parts and plugs for wiring harnesses. Or repair that plastic clip with super glue and baking soda.

Re: 2 types of tail light socket?
 

The top one looks correct. Not sure what someone did to the lower pic.

Re: 2 types of tail light socket?
 

I’ll look in the garage this morning. I have an old harness. Know one of the sockets was bad. But the other may be good. Will PM you.

Re: 2 types of tail light socket?
 

Will this work? Check your PM.

Re: 2 types of tail light socket?
 

That plastic one screams hack job fix. Looks like the same guy who wired the lights on the back of my 77 Flatbed did that.