Gen 2.5 headlamp replacement -- does the ARB bullbar need to come off?

I have a modest amount of weathering on the original headlamps on my 2015, and now one of them is getting a significant amount of condensation (or rainwater even) inside the housing. Made my decision about refinishing or replacing for me. Time for new headlamps.

Does the ARB bullbar need to come off my truck to change the lamps? Kinda looks like it might have to, but the discussions I've found have related to earlier Gen 2 trucks, with a different ARB design. Fingers crossed folks here have BTDT and can help me plan for what's upcoming.

 

Only way to know is to dig in …

 

I've been able to remove and replace the headlamps on my '12 with the bullbar installed. It's a pain for sure as removing the headlights is already pretty frustrating. If I recall correctly, there's quite a bit of rotating in just the right order to get them in and out but I never broke and tabs (or anything else).

Recommend taping up around your paintwork and be prepared to take your time.

 

It might have been possible to get the headlamps out without removing the ARB bullbar and the cut-down but remaining part of the bumper cover, but jeez that would have been a heroic effort.

Since I had some fiddling to do with bullbar alignment anyway, the whole thing came off. Boy, is THAT the way to go. Perfect access to the headlamps and all fasteners. They come out easy-peasy. I definitely recommend removing the bullbar and the bumper cover for anyone starting down this path in the future.