Mounting aftermarket driving/fog lights...? [Archive]

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T?@\7

10-29-2008, 02:59 PM

Well, Ive recently gotten the LIGHTING bug, so im jonesing for some added lights on the front.
It is imortant to know that I dont care for/plan on keeping my stock bumper FOR EVER....it'll be SW someday....that being said I WOULD NOT mind drilling holes into the top of the bumper to mount lights, but I just dont know if its a good idea.
I really like the lightforce 240 blitz (Joel stylee)... so far thats my first choice. but their site says this "High mount only with stainless steel hardware.".....which makes me curious

Im just curious about how you guys think that mounting on top of the stock bumper would work(in basically the same spot as joel, the banner truck), would it vibrate too much? Ive been searching the forums.....hmm
Please discuss and add input, thanks!

Raymondo:cool1: :drink: :guitar:

Joel

10-29-2008, 03:38 PM

2 things. First I really don't think the plastic will be able to support the lights sufficently. Second, I think the LF240s might be too deep to allow you to mount them to the stock bumper and still open the hood.

Something like this would probably be the best solution: http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3975

T?@\7

10-29-2008, 04:20 PM

ahh double dangit!
Thanks for chiming in Joel....I hadnt thought about the depth issue.
Thanks for the link, thats a really nice lightbar bovads made for sure!
I think ill probably just put that $ towards a SW bumper, but would still like to mount some lights somehow.... 240s would be the choicest! hmm

No Power

10-30-2008, 06:35 PM

I did 2 lights like that on a second gen with the same depth issue. I went with 2 hella lights that were slim enough to fit:rockon: As far as mounting the lights to the plastic bumper you will have to check for something solid in the bumper to bolt to:drink:

T?@\7

10-30-2008, 08:37 PM

thanks no power!
Yeah apparently there are a few guys on t4r who are running hella500's in this position on the bumper and are happy with it.. it would seem that there'd HAVE TO be some vibrations tho... still in the deciding process :D :drink:

bulldog

10-30-2008, 10:27 PM

T?@\7

11-01-2008, 10:23 PM

Some of the "brush" bars have mounts for lights. This should be a lot better than the plastic. Might be easier to fit that and modify the mount for a larger light.

Also check out Tacoma light bars as you can probably modify those lightbars to fit the 4Runner.

Thanks bulldog, I had not thought about the taco bars...they most likely have more options! I really want to minimze 'lengthening' of the truck which is why id like to have them mounted inside the bumper line.....but for strength and longevity there is no doubt a secure steel mount would be the way to go!

It turns out there is a member on t4r 'colemanfu' who has mounted 240s on his front bumper since "early 04" without issue, and its weird that he actually lives near me! so i can actually check these babies out in person.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=357477

Man I was just at the LF website, and the CHOICES! i saw the thread on the 170s and they are slightly smaller and less bright (350k candlepower v 750k)....but the 240xgts are the SHINT! ill keep figuring this out

bulldog

11-01-2008, 10:38 PM

The pic you posted shows LF170s which are quite a bit smaller than the 240s.

I don't know how well the 240s would work mounted to the bumper. My biggest concern is when using the lights on bumpy roads and offroad at night. I would suspect quite a bit of movement and vibration on the lights.

The HID 240s would be a kick, but they are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :eek:

T?@\7

11-01-2008, 11:16 PM

Ahh, I thought they looked dissimilar to Joels in SOME WAY!
dah! well as a temp solution till SW bumper time something will have to do lol! And oh god the HIDs!! Im kinda glad my truck doesnt have the HID headlamps bc then I know id prett much force myself into HID fogs too!
Yeah Andries, I too am REALLY concerned about vibrations at night while offroad. Im pretty anal about these kinds of things so Im still skeptical about whether or not the final out come of mounting on the bumper would be the best...
But that LIGHTING BUG, i do have it badly......

zimm17

11-02-2008, 05:10 AM

Just a thought- if you plan to use them on the street, which is illegal, but better than hitting a deer on the back roads IMO, I wouldn't use HID. HID do not do well being cycled on and off such as a car coming the other way. I'd go standard Lightforce, or those LED offroad lights.

I have 4 LF 170 sitting around, can't find a good way to mount them yet. Maybe a removable light bar for the roof rack? But I'd have to route power up there.

T?@\7

11-02-2008, 03:16 PM

I doubt that ill use them on the street at all, strictly for trail use for me :)

And yeah, the HIDs as they all do would need to warm up etc. after being shut down and all that.... they are straight sex but not needed for me currently!

zimm:I recently saw a thread about people running wires up to the roof rack, from the battery throught the weather stripping next to the windshield and once the front end cap of the roof rack is removed the wire just comes right through....no drilling or anything. I think he was installing a sat. radio reciever up there... i can find it if you want.

T?@\7

11-04-2008, 03:01 PM

Hey guys, I dont know why hadnt thought of them before, but what about IPF lights?
I was just checking their line out and they have a 'similar' one to the LF170s
it is the IPF900 XS "extreme" Driving light...
Its taller than the LFs but also shallower...which might be nice? atleast in this app..
u can check em out here http://4by4connection.com/ipf900xsexdr.html

T?@\7

11-11-2008, 09:27 PM

expat

11-11-2008, 10:32 PM

well, ive changed my plans!
rooted in Joels idea, Im going to go with a light bar...maybe one from bovads (if hes still producing) or maybe another source (defiant) with a similar product..
Now the question turns to: can 240s mount on these style bars or should i just stick with 170s? I was thinking 3 240s or 4 170s......

Using joels link (Bovads design) 240s should fit easily compared to a steel bumper because the light bar is further out from the hood. Should have no problem with clearance when opening.

T?@\7

11-11-2008, 10:46 PM

Yeah this is definitely a good midpoint between here (stock) and the aftermarket bumper...... So you are saying 3 240s? :D i

BlairB

11-11-2008, 11:30 PM

I actually put on my lightbar yesterday, and I am wiring it up tomorrow. (sorry for the bad quality, took it on my phone) Also, its all bolt on and no welding/cutting involved

Great way to mount aftermarket lights

T?@\7

11-12-2008, 11:46 AM

wow looks great!
I will be ordering one soon :):drink:
How is the stability/rigidity of the bar would you say?

BlairB

11-12-2008, 12:05 PM

wow looks great!
I will be ordering one soon :):drink:
How is the stability/rigidity of the bar would you say?

It's really good, actually.

I put all my body weight on it and it barely moves. The guy at Defiant prides himself in making really strong/sturdy bars.

The real test will be when I get in on the trails though

dirtfinder

11-12-2008, 01:20 PM

aMiR904

11-12-2008, 03:00 PM

i wonder if mounting lights in front of the radiator adversely affects proper cooling and aerodynamics as well.... worse mpg?

T?@\7

11-12-2008, 06:00 PM

I mounted some ProComp lights to my front bumper with no problems...they fit well, don't interfere with the hood and don't bounce around. Takes about 30 minutes...just do it. You want a slim light not really more than 6-8 inches. I don't see any need to spend money on a light bar.

Good point, but im thinking that that bar will be stronger and will also allow me to have a wider variety of lights to choose from... id really like to fit lights as large as possible.

Do you have any close up pics of your setup?