Rear bumper flush lighting

[Jeffola]

I saw a photo in another post, it got me thinking that I want to add a backup light (in my case with a red halo for parking lights) to the rear bumper. I ordered a Diode Dynamics flush mount. They also make a plug and play harness for the install (it's actually made for adding dual reverse lights to the spare tire) but other than long, it cuts my wiring and splicing down to 0. Has anyone ever done this? The photo tells me it can be done, but was wondering what I am going to get myself into tomorrow. Any input would be appreciated. Photo is one of our fellow members bronco, but they had it done, so it wasn't much help.

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[PWillette]

I saw a photo in another post, it got me thinking that I want to add a backup light (in my case with a red halo for parking lights) to the rear bumper. I ordered a Diode Dynamics flush mount. They also make a plug and play harness for the install (it's actually made for adding dual reverse lights to the spare tire) but other than long, it cuts my wiring and splicing down to 0. Has anyone ever done this? The photo tells me it can be done, but was wondering what I am going to get myself into tomorrow. Any input would be appreciated. Photo is one of our fellow members bronco, but they had it done, so it wasn't much help.

This probably depends which bumper you have. Looks like they just cut the holes and screwed in to the plastic. My BL has the plastic over metal bumper so wouldn't work. I believe your OB has similar bumper as shown in the photo which is plastic w/ metal skeleton so should work. Take a peak underneath to confirm.

Plug n play is the way to go IMO even if the harness will be too long.

 

[Jeffola]

This probably depends which bumper you have. Looks like they just cut the holes and screwed in to the plastic. My BL has the plastic over metal bumper so wouldn't work. I believe your OB has similar bumper as shown in the photo which is plastic w/ metal skeleton so should work. Take a peak underneath to confirm.

Plug n play is the way to go IMO even if the harness will be too long.

I do have the plastic bumper, looks like its very do-able, just wondering if anyone has hacked up their plastic bumper like this?

 

[PWillette]

I do have the plastic bumper, looks like its very do-able, just wondering if anyone has hacked up their plastic bumper like this?

Bah, looks like an easy job and actually looks pretty clean. Just go slow.

 

[Jeffola]

Bah, looks like an easy job and actually looks pretty clean. Just go slow.

Its a tomorrow project, I am just hoping the inside of this thing doesn't hold any surprises.

 

[PWillette]

Its a tomorrow project, I am just hoping the inside of this thing doesn't hold any surprises.

Just get good look and take time laying it out. Throw some painter's tape on the bumper to layout cut lines. Double & triple check n all should be good. Post up some pics.

 

[Jeffola]

Ok, light is in, I opted to set it infant of the open end of the passenger side frame rail to ensure clearance. When it stops raining (its Florida, give it a few) I will install the harness and get the bumper back on.

 

[kodiakisland]

Super easy with the plug and play harness. All the extra is coiled up inside the bumper. I did not use the extra piece to have it on a switch.

 

[Jeffola]

My next post will outline the entire install. But for now it’s done and it’s what I hoped. Time consuming. But worth it.

 

[Gtrekker]

I do have the plastic bumper, looks like its very do-able, just wondering if anyone has hacked up their plastic bumper like this?

I have a replacement bumper for you. So go for it! It won't be going back on.

 

[Jeffola]

OK, i have a few things to button up but here is the install.

There are four bolts (per side) holding the plastic rear bumper on. All are 15mm, you will need an open end wrench also 15mm. Remove the three with heads facing the rear tire tread, and then look up for an additional bolt per side all the way up on the inside of the frame rail. On my OBX LUX bronco there was one connector per side, you will find that in the corner of the vehicle. Look up under the tail lights. (Hint, if you lift the bumper ever so slightly, after a few turns you can get it out by finger)

Rotate the bumper ever so slightly (or open the tail gate and slide that puppy off. Re-install is the same, top bolt first (lift a little) other than plug in the light as you slide the bumper back on.

OK, light install. I too a sharpie and marked each side of the frame rail on both right and left on your bumper. I placed the template where I wanted the light (between the two marks, which I extended using painters tape around the fae of the bumper).

Cut your hole. I used a dremel with a cut off wheel and trimmed with a razor knife.

When your done, cut a slightly larger hole in the front of the bumper. I used a long drill but from the front to the back, cut a larger hole than that, its not precision work on the inside. Mount the light, as per instructions. (that's why you made the hole bigger, access to the screws).

Remove tail light. ok, I used an 8mm (as I recall) ratcheting swivel box end wrench. Its not that bad. You have to remove the fender flare, and dislodge (Pull) the panel under the tail light. its just popped in. You do this to access the two additional screws (Both 10mm) and the light comes right out. Unplug. add DD harness, pull the switched trigger lead through the grommet. I haven't hooked that up yet, but im using the wire that goes back in the bronco to switch six. A few splices are necessary. Harness wire to extension (I have a two door, I'm told it near the seatbelt) then a splice behind the glovebox and one under the hood.

OK, wiring. I used the DD Harness they sell to go in to the spare tire. I shortened it by about 4-5 feet. Feed the switch trigger through the top of the grommet behind the right side tail light. Ran it down the frame rail on top a few inches, the plug fits through this rectangular shaped hole and pull it out the end of the rail. You will plug this is as you put the bumper back on and stuff the extra in the frame.

Put it all back together.

Feel free to ask questions.

 

[Jeffola]

UPDATE!

All done. BY FAR the HARDEST part was FINDING the White/Org wire under the dash. I went with Switch #6, last switch, back of the Bronco. That was Yel/Org under the hood. Two wires go from there to under the globe box. They are White and Brown white. Easy peasy. Finding the Wht/Org was a poop show. Finally did and all was well in the world. On a 2 door, the white/Orange was by the seatbelt retractor. That panel simply pulls off the wall from the top, I ran the wire behind the Sub. Very simple and clean. I have the ability to switch it on and off at will, it goes on with the backup lights and I have an additional marker light. About 4-5 hours in the intense Florida heat. I feel satisfied, no issues at all. Feel free to ask any questions should you need to know about any part of this install.

 

[Gtrekker]

Nice! No Pics?......

 

[Jeffola]

Nice! No Pics?......

some above. More to come

 

[Jeffola]

I acquired a steel rear bumper off of a Badlands and swapped all my stuff over. Even the backup light. Easy Peasy.

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