Hello All,
I found a method on how to repair my tail light socket issue and I have not read about this type of repair method on this forum so I figured I would share it. My issue is that the bulbs were loose in the socket and would work intermittently. The socket springs were not functioning properly (not putting pressure on the bulb) due to the old and hardened molded cover not letting the wires slide in and out of the cover. So, I decided to see if I can could trim back the molded cover to see if the wires would slide in and out of the cover. It worked! I also upgraded to LED 1157 bulbs. They work fine without any upgrades to the flasher. I read about that on a few posts that I would need to upgrade the flasher for LED bulbs.

Before Trimming.

After trimming with razor blade. Careful to not cut into the insulation of the wire.

New 1157 LED bulbs that work great!