Diode Dynamics SS3 SAE MAX / SS42 Stealth Combo Lightbar Review

I too, have a 42" light bar staring at me every time I pull into the garage that I bought from @memario1214 at Hotshot Offroad. Plans are to mount this Saturday morning. Any solutions or help for the problems mentioned would be greatly appreciated! Also, did anyone use a different switch other than the one supplied with light bar? If so, pic please!

 

I know it's awful, but those two strips of 3M VHB tape on the bottom of the bar seem to be holding up -- or at least, I have not had issues with it bouncing yet. Also, I used a footswitch as there are no blanks and I didn't want to drill into the plastic.

 

Driving a lot of dark remote rural roads I may like that foot switch better than mounting a push button to the dash or center console. Much more convenient when using it often. Thanks for posting.

 

Ok…so you mounted the 3M VHB tape to the bottom of light bar and the other side adheres to the bumper. I’m just wondering how hard it would be to remove the tape and residue from the bumper without leaving any visible marking in the future? That footswitch is a great idea. Not the prettiest, but definitely functional!

 

I bought the Cali-Raised switch that says Bumper light bar and am going to put it in the center console… where I am also going to install the 3 switch panel by CN Designs.

i was thinking of rubber washers on the mounting screws of the bar to keep it from moving around…and maybe some
Low profile screws that I can actually tighten after mounting it… but haven’t gone shopping yet or know if it’s actually going to work…

 

Colton, you’re always a great help…thank You!

 

@memario1214 have you installed the 42” light bar?

 

Great idea! I hope you install today!!! Send pics!

 

sweet...have you posted the install video? Your truck is looking good...I'm liking everything you've done!

 

Lol…If I run into any trouble, I’ll give you a call!

 

Roger that!

 

I suspect one could pry/lift up the bar with a screwdriver or maybe a tongue depressor and the tape should pull off, maybe with a little help from something like a dental pick.

You really can't see it, it's pretty far up there. I probably have to lift and move my left foot at least 6" in the 11 o'clock direction to reach it. As a bonus, the holes of the switch lined up perfectly with a simple 4" brace that I had laying around. I widened one of its holes just a touch and the whole thing slipped over the existing threaded piece which has that push nut that holds the interior trim in place. Wires are tucked behind. Voila.

 

I just took the grill/valance off the bumper for a head start on mounting Saturday and I can tell you there was nothing fun about that! I think I may have broken the top piece directly in the middle, but not sure. Pic included.

 

Looking good, Jeff.
I’ve dealt with Lightwerkz many times. Caesar and the guys are good people….

 

I pulled the grill off my Limited so I can get some english on the wrench for those 3 nuts. Those things are on there tight. the hand wrench is all I can fit, a regular socket isn't deep enough to fit over the bolt, a deep well too long for the tight space. How'd everyone else get those off? I got them all broke free, but they are still mighty tight. You give me suggestions there and I'll post my fix for the mount.. -grin-

Update: A flexible head ratchet wrench did the job...much easier.

 

A ratcheting wrench worked OK for me.

 

Interesting that you found it easier to attack those 3 nuts from the top with grill off rather than underneath. My plan is to attach my light bar today. So, what are your suggestions on fixing the mount? I’m all ears!

 

I went to Menards and picked up some fiber washers for between the bar and mount along with a locking ring for the top (not a split ring lock washer). I also bought a 1/2” aluminum spacer big enough for a 5mm low profile hex bolt that I also purchased…I think its 16 or 20mm long. I’ll need to drill a hole for that in the bracket, but I intend to use that additional mounting screw hole that’s behind the main screw. It’s recessed a bit, thus the need to use that spacer/bushing.

keep in mind that this is all theory until I get the other 5 nuts off the bumper bracket…
But the biggest thing will be to figure out where that hole for the back screw mount needs to be drilled to get the right angle for the light bar, but if done right, it should keep the bar in place nicely.

Update: The 1/2 bushing/spacer did the job perfectly. You'll need a #5 metric screw at least 20mm long...I used a 25mm. The 7/64" hole needed was right in line with the slot in front of it for the rear screw. I only did the one side...to keep it from moving and seems extremely sturdy. I think the elevation of the bar is fine, but I'll confirm it tonight. Keep in mind that mines a stock '17 limited, no lifts or anything. If you wanna go this way and want pics of what I did, I can add them, just let me know.

Update 2: The aim was perfect. And wow, is that thing bright!!!

 

This is my biggest dilemma. I got a semi deep socket that I believe with fit in the space. I have a cordless socket wrench I’m hoping is powerful enough. Going from underneath will require moving plastic out of the way. Trying to figure out if that will be easier or if taking the grille off will be best.

 

I don't know how you get the plastic out of the way unless you take off the bumper cover, which meanst the grill comes off too, but give it a shot. For me, up top was the only way. As it was, the middle nuts were the worst. I actually had to get creative with a standard wrench, another wrench on the end to hit it with a small sledge to break it loose. Outside of that, the flexible ratchet wrench did the job...I bought a metric set of 7 at Menards for $55. while I was at it, I took off that thin metal brace across the front and put a towel over the edge to keep from getting my arms cut up. Don't ask me how I know this....

 

Well??? How'd it go?

Tonynw318: you too....how'd it go?

 

Haven’t had the time yet. This weekend we got 3 inches of rain so I didn’t get to it. Hopefully soon. And hopefully I can get it done!

 

Much more difficult than I thought. The 3 nuts on each side were the most difficult of the installation by far. New issue is the bar is slightly U shaped. See pics of driver & passenger side of the bar. @memario1214 is this an issue Diode Dynamics will help with? Overall, the Stealth Light Bar is very bright!

 

Yea, I left mine out at that position to make it easier to keep clean…

 

The light bar itself isn’t U-shaped, but the light bar I have is U-shaped. Pictures confirm it without a doubt. I had to set the passenger side back on the bracket more than the driver side to even up the installation of the bar. Pics of other light bars on Tundra will show a more aligned light bar versus the U-shaped bar I have. The last 3 pics are of my light bar.