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Where to mount auxiliary lights?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by 1stgentundradriver, Jan 31, 2021.

  1. Jan 31, 2021 at 3:29 PM
    #1
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    Looking to buy some auxiliary lights for my truck to use on backroads in the dark. Stock front end (no aftermarket bumper or lighting mounts) and It seems as if there isn’t a good place to mount lights without blocking airflow to the engine. I’m thinking of a few different lights, either a 30(ish) Inch light bar or a couple of smaller light bars. Either way I’m really wanting an upgrade for backroads at night. We live pretty far out in the sticks, so extra lighting will be a huge bonus. Any ideas on both mounting locations as well as lights and mounting brackets would be welcome. Would rather not mount on the roof, I don’t want to drill holes in the roof. Truck is a 2006 double cab limited. Thanks.
     
  2. Jan 31, 2021 at 3:43 PM
    #2
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper New Member

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    Mine is a 2017 so I can't help with specific mounting locations on a 2006. I have a 42" bar behind the grille and a 30" in bumper. I don't think they affect engine temp. The mounting brackets that came with the lights worked for me but there are other options. I have some that allow for the bar in the bumper to be mounted on the outside. Check the lighting section. I am search you can find someone with bars on your model. I don't have a bar on the roof but the ones I have seen have mounts in the door jambs.

    WP_20171029_13_02_45_Pro.jpg
     
  3. Jan 31, 2021 at 3:52 PM
    #3
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    Thanks @Stumpjumper. What kind of lights do you have? If you can’t remember, no worries. Based on the size of your light bars I’d imagine you don’t have any complaints about the amount of light they put out?
     
  4. Jan 31, 2021 at 4:01 PM
    #4
    300BLK

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    I personally love running ditch lights. No worries about restricted airflow and no obstructions to light output. I run a set of Baja Designs XL Pro's and at ~5k lumens each they light up the road exceptionally well. I use mine daily combined with my high beams on my LED headlights on my drive home through single lane deer country and the sticks. Mine are angled just enough to provide flood straight ahead and outwards to the left and right. I've lost count of how many deer i've avoided because of these lights.
     
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  5. Jan 31, 2021 at 4:24 PM
    #5
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    @300BLK sounds like a solid set up. I’m half tempted to drill into the bumper and bolt them down. I think I will be purchasing a 20” led light bar and two cube pods. I’m just trying some knock offs on Amazon, just to see if they work. If they don’t I’ll buy the rough country light bars and then the rigid light bars or Baja brand. I’d rather not spend a huge amount of money but I’m pretty desperate for extra light. For whatever reason I feel like having the light bar blocking anywhere in the grille would keep the engine from operating under the correct temps. In our area there a ton of steep long hills, and towing up these hills, I need all the airflow I can get. I’ve towed these hills in temps close to 90 degrees and the engine temp gauge Didn’t move at all, and I’d like to keep it that way.
     
  6. Jan 31, 2021 at 4:36 PM
    #6
    300BLK

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    Not sure of your budget but you can find Rigid pods for $150 for the pair with wiring harness on Amazon. Those are about 1500 lumens each and are well made and weatherproof. Alot of the cheap chinese pods/bars have poor light output or have poor weatherproofing and don't last. Just something to consider since you said you already plan on spending money on nice pods later. You won't regret it!
     
  7. Jan 31, 2021 at 6:02 PM
    #7
    Stumpjumper

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    I don't recall the make on the lower one. The one behind the grille is an Arsenal. I would not recommend them. I had a 32" that had some issues within warranty. I emailed and called and never heard from them. I gave them a bad review on Amazon.
     
  8. Jan 31, 2021 at 7:09 PM
    #8
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    I’m not sure if I’m going to buy the nicer ones later. If the cheapies work, I guess I’ll stick with them. However, if they don’t work, I’ll end up just spending the money and crying once. It’ll be a very big cry if I purchase the rigid or Baja or equivalent product. Ha!
     
  9. Feb 2, 2021 at 10:22 AM
    #9
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    Okay so I’ve got an idea. I think I may mount them on the grill. Since the slats across the grill are so thick, likely thicker than the 20” bar, I would think I could mount them straight on the grill and not block anymore airflow than the stock grill does. Anybody think this could somehow block airflow? I’m thinking it would be just fine. Maybe the better question would be to ask if the front grill is strong enough to hold the light and provide a stable mounting position?


    @Tundyfundy is there a way I can move this to the correct thread or is it stuck to general tundra discussion once I start it there?
     
  10. Feb 2, 2021 at 10:51 AM
    #10
    Tundra2

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    I run a light bar here. No noticeable blockage of airflow.

    Also, another mounting option. My grille guard is an Aries brand. I've had it for 3 years.

    Amazon has them priced around $500.
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FCJYL...abc_VY2W448BZ1V5SW4158X8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

    Rock auto has them around $300.
    https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,2004,tundra,4.7l+v8,1426935,accessories,grille+guard,1044


    I've hit deer, turkey, a 6 foot ditch in the winter time. This $200 (at the time.) Saved me from totalling my truck with minimal damage to the grille guard.

    Edit: I've had mine 4 years now... I keep forgetting its now 21. Not 20...
     
    Last edited: Feb 2, 2021
  11. Feb 2, 2021 at 11:03 AM
    #11
    Stumpjumper

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    I would not mount to the grille the light will vibrate and vibrating lights especially led is not good.
     
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  12. Feb 2, 2021 at 12:58 PM
    #12
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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    Lots of good cheapy LED light bars on Amazon. I run a 20" mounted to my bull bar that puts out a crap ton of light. Paid $35 for the light bar. It would be another $15 for a wiring kit and switch. This one's been on for 2 years, no issues. Well worth what little money I spent. I would not mount to the grill.

    Something like this would be an all in one solution. Screws into the front license plate holes.

    https://www.amazon.com/License-Moun...ate+LED+light+bar+mount&qid=1612299458&sr=8-4
     
  13. Feb 2, 2021 at 12:59 PM
    #13
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    @Tundra2 i like the idea of the grill guard. Not really wanting to spend the money just for lights but I think that having that extra protection is really good. I’ve been wanting to purchase a bumper for deer protection but if the grill guard works instead of a big heavy bumper that will likely be the route I go with down the road since the grill guards are much cheaper and obviously lighter. I’m not sure that I want to spend that money yet. @Stumpjumper thank you for your input. I won’t mount them on the grill.

    Since I can’t mount them on the grill, do you think I could mount them on the bumper below the lowest section with the Airflow passages? Maybe the better question would be is there really a good place where I can mount this light bar on my stock front end without buying a grill guard? Another thing worth mentioning is that my bumper is curved so the mounts likely wouldn’t be very clean or professional looking if I was to just throw it on there. It would Definetly look like it didn’t belong.
     
    Last edited: Feb 2, 2021
  14. Feb 2, 2021 at 1:01 PM
    #14
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    @KNABORES can I find that bracket without the light bar on Amazon? I like that idea...do you know if it blocks the lisence plate? We are required to have both front and back plates here in Washington. I just purchased a 20 inch bar and two pods that came with harnesses and switches for 60 dollars. Figured that since they were prime I couldn’t go wrong and they would be easily returned if I couldn’t make them work.
     
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  15. Feb 2, 2021 at 1:06 PM
    #15
    KNABORES

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    Yes. I'm not recommending that particular product, just the idea. The license plate mounts are available by themselves. The lightbars as well. No idea if that lightbar is worth a crap or not, likely not. Now, that being said, you could also just fab a bracket that bolts to the license plate mount and do the same thing.
     
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  16. Feb 2, 2021 at 1:07 PM
    #16
    KNABORES

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    It does not block the plate
     
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  17. Feb 2, 2021 at 1:26 PM
    #17
    Tundra2

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    I can understand. I live in deer country, and wanted something to protect my truck. I already had the guard when I decided to add a light bar. So mounting the bar was a no-brainer.

    Recently, we had a member with a similar deer guard as mine who hit a deer. It went right in the middle of the two upright bars, and into his bumper. I think it was @lsaami?

    Following @KNABORES' idea I was actually looking at those a while back, and found a blank one.

    Link.
     
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  18. Feb 2, 2021 at 1:56 PM
    #18
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    That is really sweet! I think I’ll try that mount. For roughly 25 dollars I can’t go wrong. At some point in the future I’ll pick up a brushguard. Would rather not have a deer take out the truck. Thanks a bunch @Tundra2 and @KNABORES !! I’ll try to post pics when it’s installed In Whatever form I go with. It’ll likely be the light bar mount on the lisence plate .
     
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  19. Feb 2, 2021 at 1:57 PM
    #19
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    I have a welder and some metal at home, this isn’t a bad idea to make one, either. I may try that. @KNABORES
     
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  20. Feb 2, 2021 at 2:17 PM
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    Tundra2

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    :thumbsup:

    Keep in mind, that a deer guard like mine is only "mild" protection.

    Full protection via aftermarket parts would be an actual frame mounted bumper like @FirstGenVol
    https://youtu.be/4UvdXlei6E8

    Maybe he can post some actual pictures for you.
     
  21. Feb 2, 2021 at 2:23 PM
    #21
    Professional Hand Model

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  22. Feb 2, 2021 at 2:29 PM
    #22
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    Yes I Definetly think that for best protection a full bumper is Definetly best. However I don’t want to put too much weight on the front end of the truck and for now a brush guard would probably be best for that. That’s my thinking, at least.
     
  23. Feb 2, 2021 at 2:38 PM
    #23
    Tundra2

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    That bumper weighs 60 lbs at most. Erik, and I were able to move it around real easy like.
     
  24. Feb 2, 2021 at 2:44 PM
    #24
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    Seriously??!! Wow. Well still, I’ll probably go brushguard at first. But for better protection I’d totally give up 60 pounds. Not bad at all.
     
  25. Feb 2, 2021 at 2:47 PM
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    Tundra2

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    Worst thing I can say about the bumper is that it's awkward to move around.

    The welds looked great, and quality felt amazing to me.

    I think he had his bumper professionally painted. Can't recall if BFF offer painting or not, or if they arrive barren.
     
  26. Feb 2, 2021 at 2:49 PM
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    Tundra2

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    There's link in my signature which will be below each of my posts. You won't be able to see them if you're on mobile unless you turn your phone sideways.

    I think it's the "proud moment in time." One

    You can see all of our bs posts in the lunchtable thread about the install that way.
     
  27. Feb 2, 2021 at 2:59 PM
    #27
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    Yeah it really doesn't weigh as much as it looks. I'm not sure if it's only 60lbs but probably not a ton more. Even my wife helped me shuffle it around our tight garage. I was expecting to need to increase my front spring rate but the truck rides just like it did before.

    I had it powder coated and I highly recommend that over trying to spray paint it.
     
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  28. Feb 2, 2021 at 3:02 PM
    #28
    1stgentundradriver

    1stgentundradriver [OP] Each sticker adds at least 5hp

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    @FirstGenVol I think powder coating would be the way to go as well. I think my best (cheapest) route right now is to make a mount to the lisence plate or I could also make something that bolts to the frame where the brush guard on @Tundra2 ’s truck mounts and cut it and build it just for lights. Decisions, decisions.
     
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  29. Feb 2, 2021 at 3:05 PM
    #29
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    Yes this bumper I have isn't cheap. But I agree with Tundra2 that if you hit a deer, a normal brush guard may not save your truck. Brute Force Fab offers a version of mine with a full brush guard for more protection.

    upload_2021-2-2_18-4-49.jpg

    https://www.bruteforcefab.com/1st-gen-tundra---sequoia-front.html
     
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  30. Feb 2, 2021 at 3:05 PM
    #30
    Tundra2

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    Easiest thing would be the license plate thing earlier.

    On our steel 2000-2002 bumpers the license plate holders are just thick plastic bolted to the bumper. Not much in the way of protection, but should be able to hold the mounting plate, light, and plate.

    Not sure how the later model plastic bumpers are.
     

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