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How To: Light bar in lower grille (03-05)

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by wnelax04sr5, Jul 24, 2016.

  1. Jul 24, 2016 at 5:40 PM
    #1
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 [OP] New Member

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    Ethan
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    So I've seen this done tons of times and a few different variations of mounting, including a pre fab mount that some guy on t4r is selling. heres how I did it without fabricating anything and only drilling 4 holes.

    step 1: buy stuff
    Auxbeam 32" 180w
    https://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-1800...TF8&qid=1469406506&sr=8-1&keywords=auxbeam+32
    Universal Harness
    https://www.amazon.com/Mictuning-Un..._SR160,160_&psc=1&refRID=K59JRWVRGM7HGHKNNPJM

    I then went down to the local hardware store and bought two L brackets, and 4 self tapping screws. Once I piled my parts together I took some measurements.

    The first thing I did was make sure that with the bracket connected to the lights mounts it would sit flush with the front of the bumper. Once I knew that it would and that I could start.

    Step 1: Cutting. I used a jigsaw with a metal blade to cut out the lower grille. it went through it like a hot knife through butter, and I used a file to smooth out everything and make it look nice
    Step 2: I place the light bar where I wanted it height wise and marked my L brackets so I knew where to drill holes, then I mounted the lights mounts to the L brackets
    Step 3: With the light and L brackets together, I slid it into the spot where I wanted it to sit (flush and centered in the grille), then marked holes to drill
    Step 4: For this part, I took the bumper cover off so it was easier to drill and mount the light.
    Step 5:I drilled pilot holes for my self tapping screws to go in, then had someone hold the light and mounts while I put in the self tapping screws, securing everything
    Step 6: Once tightened, I put the bumper cover back on to make sure it was where I wanted it to be.
    Step 7: Wiring!
    Step 8: Enjoy your light!

    Mounts on the frame rails (which are exactly 32" apart)
    IMG_20160724_173759506.jpg

    Better shot of where the L bracket mounts to the light

    IMG_20160724_173814739.jpg

    Finished Product

    IMG_20160724_173557522.jpg
     
    Dreece, junglebunz, Dogmom45 and 9 others like this.
  2. Aug 24, 2016 at 6:28 AM
    #2
    POOLGUY

    POOLGUY New Member

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    Didn't think about mounting it like that. Nice, clean and simple
     
  3. Apr 26, 2018 at 2:15 PM
    #3
    Elmo the Destroyer

    Elmo the Destroyer New Member

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    I love this. It's so clean. Do you think you would be able to mount it behind the grille? What would that look like on the back end?
     
    Bob likes this.
  4. Apr 26, 2018 at 5:54 PM
    #4
    wnelax04sr5

    wnelax04sr5 [OP] New Member

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    Ethan
    CT
    Vehicle:
    2004 SR5 4X4 Galactic Gray
    you definitely can, i moved it forward so it would be flush, but people have mounted it behind the grill. its really easy and theres a lot of space
     
    Bob likes this.
  5. Apr 30, 2018 at 6:04 PM
    #5
    Elmo the Destroyer

    Elmo the Destroyer New Member

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    I just bought two 6" LED bars and mounted them behind the bottom grille. It looks great and is pretty low-profile.
     
  6. May 1, 2018 at 2:01 PM
    #6
    Elmo the Destroyer

    Elmo the Destroyer New Member

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