Ditch lights and mounting brackets

Looking for input and pics of gen 1 running ditch lights, what brands and thoughts on the additional lighting from that position. thanks

 

Rago fab. I'll have to dig up pics from inside the truck. Lights aren't hooked up yet.

 

I used Tacoma brackets from Amazon on my truck (2006 DC), link below. It is a tight fit so I grinded one of the holes larger. $20 was better than $85 for the Rago brackets. I then poorly spray-painted them black so they don't rust.

The only reason I grinded them down was to have more play so it didn't touch the ribbed plastic on the windshield

GS Power Engine Hood Hinge Ditch LED Mount Brackets for Auxiliary Offroad Pod Work Light. Fit Cowl Panel at Windshield Base Compatible with 2005-2015 Tacoma

Amazon Ditch brackets

link to the video I got the inspiration from, guy in video sent me the link to these. Buy at your own risk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjUxEFVSlS4&list=LL&index=8&t=189s

skip to 2:10 min mark

 

Just a heads up that they now make magnetic mounts for ditch lights which allow a quick couple/uncouple for off-road use. Don’t ask me where to find them, but I did see that they are new product when looking for other lighting.

Pretty cool because those typical cubes sticking up near the hood full time would drive me bonkers and those brackets don’t look like fun to install/remove. With the magnets its easy.

 

Now that it's lighter outside here are interior shots.



On unfamiliar roads I use the top left corner of the drivers side light as a "guide" to keep me on the road.

Kinda like using the hood ornament when learning to drive.

 

Thanks for the info guys, this forum is loaded with knowledge. Tundra2 any issues with mounting Rago brackets?
PHM interesting on magnet mounting, will start searching on that.

 

I had to trim the cowl. The black plastic by the wipers. No fitment issues mechanically and was tricky to mount, but not terrible. I'd do it again willingly.

 

Is that a Check Engine light I see?

 

My man, that check engine light has been on since 2009.

 

+1 on the Rago brackets. I did not have to do any trimming to get mine to work, but as Noah said they're a little tricky to get on with just one person. I run two pods on each side and can open the hood all the way with no issues. Rago occasionally runs sales so you might be able to wait for a discount code.

 

Damn good bulb they used for it.

 

Damn Skippy!

P0420 code. Tried new denso Up/down streams. Pretty sure my cat is clogged.

Other one is a shift solenoid E code. Still runs and drives. Doesnt shift weird or feel shitty. I think its fine, but I get the light so fuck it.

 

I had that issue on my Camry, did this hack to it and I am 4+ years and two smogs passed with it no issues.
https://youtu.be/KoYb17U56l0

 

What's the wind noise like with those mounted up there?
And I think I know the answer, but how do cowl lights handle car washes?

 

I have cheapo LEDs that I ordered from the rainforest and they don't whistle too much in the wind. Tire noise is more noticeable.

 

What @des2mtn said. I hear tire noise more than any whistle produced by these.

The cowl already has holes in its, and a screen. I've been through the auto.atic car wash with the spinning rollers that roll over the whole truck. They don't grab on anything, and do get clean.

 

Mine are cheapo also from the rainforest.

$13 Nilight Led Light Pods 2PC 4" 60W Flood Spot Combo Triple Row Driving Lamp Roof Bumper Off Road LED Work Lights Pods for Van Camper Wagon Car Pickup Golf Cart ATV UTV SUV Truck Boat 4x4

Bezos link

 

sounds good... thanks much!

 

I can't find my post, but it's on the first gen lunchtable where I took these lights apart, and applied some flex seal water proofing.

I did the same thing to my light bar on the front of my truck and there is absolutely NO condensation inside.

 

Good to know. Thanks again

 

I am ordering DD SSC2. Unsure of brackets. Any recommendations?

 

I'm unsure as to what fits third gen.

 

More or less just posting to follow thread and see if anything i haven't thought of pops up. Generation aside.

 

Another vote for rago’s bracket. Test fit of mine clears with no issues and no trimming needed. Wife said I should’ve chose a different style light though lol

 

Yeah, anything posted for 1st gens won’t fit other gens. That’s why it gets posted by generation. Less of a problem comparing info for 2nd and 3rd gens (2.5 gen) but 1st gens are totally different.

 

Yea i get that. There is no mistaking they are different. No mistaking that at all. I'm posting to follow to see if there is a compact that pops up i haven't seen before and check out if they have other gen products. So that is why I'm posting here. Thanks for informing me that the generations are different

 

But with that being said I will unwelcome myself from this generational thread.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/ditch-light-brackets-for-best-gen.68266/#post-1771770

@Toyokuhl

Maybe one the manufacturers in the thread here make stuff for your rig. It's worth a look, but I'm not sure.

 

So, you find the Rago's are worth the $$$. For Christmas, I got some POD's off Amazon that are the same that I've been running on my push bar for the past year which have held up well, so I'm just wanting something quality to mount them to with little/no mods.