Thanks, Doug.? It's definitely related to the tail lights.? The trailer lights tap in just aft of that connector (and I agree that it's almost certainly a connector) and they all work, as do the taillights, reverse light, brake lights, and turn signals.
I've pretty much ruled it out as a source of my clearance light problem unless they brought the wiring for the clearance lights all the way back to that connector which wouldn't make any sense at all.??
I'm quite certain that connector hasn't been unplugged in 34 years so I'm not touching it witihout some clear evidence that it's part of the problem.? I'm not that brave.? :-O
Rick in NH