The Nissan Path

hi, first post here. i recently needed to replace my driver's side headlight in my 1998 pathfinder. i went to pep boys, and they sold me a 9004 bulb. it did not fit. so i went to nissan and bought the oem part, also a 9004. it will not fit either. neither bulb will fit into the housing far enough to let the locking ring grasp the teeth on the headlight housing. needs another .25 inch it seems. any suggestions? i am at a loss here! thanks

the halogen insert bulbs are pretty standard. It has been awhile, but look at side of bulb for a locating tab that has to line up and maybe rotate (L shaped?) to have the element in position, then you add the locking ring. The outer glass is another story, specific to models and lots of $$$