So I finally got around to doing this install and write-up as I was away taking my kids for a surprise trip to Disney World for my daughters 4th birthday and the light bar arrived while we were away. Hope this helps some folks out.
This write-up is designed to encourage or assist those 4runner owners/forum members who may not feel comfortable with vehicle modifications (especially the electrical) but like what they see on some of the other awesome vehicles on here, and show that anyone can do it if they want to. Now the way that I did this mod may not be the least expensive, although I attempted to use the best “bang for the buck” light bar and mounting brackets.
Like most mods on this forum, there are dozens of threads out there on this exact install. They range from the super complex (fabbing your own brackets and creating your own relay) to more basic, as you will see here. This version is taking that information and simplifying it to the most basic “push a switch in the dash and the light bar lights up” install. Below are some of the many helpful threads on light bar installs including the wiring and installing a factory style switch. You can read through at your leisure and decide what method works best for you (i.e.: tying your relay in to your high beams so they will turn on at the same time). You can also find even more by doing the forum famous
@
1engineer
search...lol!
@
barryhiram
(http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/159174-factory-style-fog-light-switch-fits-knock-out.html
@
rigtec
(A must read if you are doing any electrical work on the car)
To switch or not to switch...
@
Saker
(The Most Complete LED Light Bar Install Write-Up)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...a-4runner.html
@
BradBrad619
(The Reason Why I’m Doing This Install)
2014-2016 behind grill light bar mounts.
Getting Through Firewall
: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/120835-cable-routing-through-firewall.html
@
MTN4RNR
(High Quality Light Bar Install and Description)
Building, Driving and Adventuring the MTN4RNR
@
Antman
(Subwoofer install…How to get through the firewall)
) http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92013-antmans-thread-24.html#post989173
@
rigtec
(Why I chose these LED’s)
) http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/178040-opt7-leds.html
AOB Wiring
Wiring lightbar with independent harness & AOB switch?
For Those Looking for a LED Light Bar
Background:
I’m doing this install because lets face it…its cool (or at least I think so)! Is this a “need” modification for me? No! Is it a want modification that could help me see the trail better while driving to campsites at night or on dark back roads? Yes. I do not live in a remote location, and based off of use I don’t need to spend $ on a high-end light bar. I also don’t feel the need to wake every diurnal animal within a 5-mile radius of where I’m driving. The light bar that I chose to use does come with very good reviews and is highly recommended. I also wanted to minimally tie in to the OEM electrical and like my DRL so that is one of the reasons I will be installing this from the light bar relay directly to the factory replacement switch (AOB) and not tying in to the high beams or an unused fuse (although this is a really good option if you are not using a provided by manufacturer grounded relay; see
@
MTN4RNR
install in the link above if you want to add a fuse).
My plan originally was to install the same way
@
KingTaco
installed his as described in post #273 in this thread…
2014-2016 behind grill light bar mounts.
That was the plan, although as you will see, plans change. My install didn’t go exactly as smoothly as was described in his install, and I should not have been surprised as I am probably not as experienced with this type of thing. The funny thing is, I thought the mounting would be the easy part and the electrical would give me fits, but it was really the other way around. Anyway I will be going into detail and the things I learned with lots of pictures. My wife even commented, as I was taking longer than expected, “At least you’re learning a whole lot about your truck”, and that’s exactly what happened!
Supplies:
- Mounting Brackets :I got mine from
@
BradBrad619
(see the post above). There are also several other fabricators if you do not feel confident in making your own. One that makes some that look good and is a new member here is
@
RagoFabrication
.
- Screws, depending on what type of mount you are using (I used 4 – 14 x 1 ˝” Stainless Steel Hex Screws.
- 4 Neoprene washers
- Metal Wire Fish ($6 Harbor Freight), or you can use a clothes hanger as described in the routing through firewall posts above.
- Factory Style Switch (I used AOB)
TOYOTA 4RUNNER Replacement Switches -Air On Board
- Petroleum Jelly (To help get through the firewall…and because mods are “exciting”)
- LED Light Bar and Relay: I used the OPT 7 22” LED and its corresponding relay as described in this post with link.
For Those Looking for a LED Light Bar (Plug and Play!)
- Drill
- Screwdrivers
- Wrench
- Wire Crimpers/Stripper
- 14-16 gage Butt Connectors
If you have seen any of my other write-ups, you know that this will take multiple posts and will contain lots of pictures…remember, if I can do it you can! (I know its corny, I’m a middle school teacher…give me a break).
