30" Light Bar Install - Easier Than You Might Think

Subs

 

Well got the light bar centered vertically and then horizontally used 6" brackets, had to drill one hole each side , bolted it down. Got back and looked and it was still vertically correct but shifted 1/2 inch to the right so now it's not centered. My OCD is pissed. Dropped one screw on the skid plated and had to take it off to get to it and dropped a Allen wrench somewhere down there but just can't find it. In my humbled opinion the title of the thread "easier than you might think" is not correct. To some it might be easy , but for me it was a bitch. Now just need to wait for Amazon to deliver the switch I ordered and I can run the wiring, can't wait. But I do want to thank everyone that contributed to this thread, it did help.

 

How many of you are running your bar right off of the high beam? Thats were I have mine and it works like a charm, I have not tried leaving it on for extended periods of time yet either however. So far only a few minutes at a time(like you would with your high beams), no need for an extra switch, and a ton less wiring.

 

I it possible(the way I did mine(very similarly)) to not cut the air dams and still have them fit, its just a PITA to get them back on.

 

Where did you tap in to the high beams? What color wire is it? Do you have any pictures?

 

There are two wires going to each headlight bulb, a solid white, and a white with a black stripe. I forget which one is + but that's the one I tapped, then just used the chassis ground next to the battery.

 

Nice, did you still use the led wire harness? When you get the chance I'd like to see some pictures

 

subd

 

My light just came with the light and a cheesey mounting brackey/legs(ebay special), so my "harness" just consisted of a + and ground wires haha. Link to the one i bought below, got it for $40 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141825183103?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

No relay?

 

Nope. I was originally intending to use one, but apparently the one I bought was faulty. After a couple hours of trial and error with the relay we just said screw it and plugged it directly in.

If I had to do it again id just buy a Y-type splitter for whatever kind of socket the high beam is and put the same type end on the led bar, that way no cutting splicing.

 

is it yellow or cool white?

 

White

 

Finished the last mile of wiring and opted to back out of the the dash switch installation. I decided there were some advantages of a remote switch and installed the item below from Amazon for $38, coupled with a real inexpensive but bright 30" 180w light bar.

I used 6 inch L brackets with self tapping screws into the aluminum bumper. Did not cut any of the grill off so it is not 100% flush, but did have to trim about 4" of air dam on each side of the radiator.

Overall 2 hours install time and somewhat pleased. If I did it again I would trust my instinct and go for the flush mount by trimming that 2-3" space on the bottom of the front grill. Not that I cant go back and do it the way I wanted to initially but is open if I decide in the future.

This harness had a second lead for what can I may use for engine compartment lighting toggled by a hood latch switch and an isolator switch for the light bar, as the controller turns on-off both end device leads.

This remote switch had a lot of bad reviews due to what I suspect was 2.4ghz RF interference but I have not seen that.

Amazon: OPT7

[380w HD-Remote] LED Light Bar Wiring Harness Off Road [2 Lead 9ft] • Dimmer • Strobe • Keychain Remote • 80ft Range • Plug and Play • Waterproof

Thanks to the OP and contributors for all the details and making this one of simplest mods on any Tacoma.

 

Has anyone needed to clean the glass yet? Access issues with the grill in front?

 

Haven't cleaned it yet, but it shouldn't be too tricky unless you're super ocd and have to get it like new.

 

My install was not a flush mount, but I am going back to my initial plan and get out the dremel or sawzall and do the flush mount...one reason is just that, cleaning, visibility. You get a fair amount of blockage with the recess mount and besides the flush mount does look better.

 

Installed a Cali Raised 4D light bar yesterday. Stealth mounted, everything was straight forward, not sure if it was mentioned, but you should definitely attach one side of the bar to the mount first. Installing both mounts and then trying to attach the bar was nearly impossible. Gonna wire it up over the weekend.

 

And like everyone has said, it looks great behind the grill. Does not attract unwanted attention.

 

Yes the brackets are from Caliraised. No drilling at all. You put them in place over 2 existing bumper bolts. They fit perfect, bar looks great like it was meant to be stock.