General Ford Ranger Discussion General discussion of the Ford Ranger that does not fit in any other sub-forum.

Led grill lights

Old Mar 26, 2019
  #1  
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Led grill lights

Hi, any of you guys have some led lights in your grill ? I want to put in 3 small led lights similar to the raptor style in my grill. Can I tie them directly into my day lights ? I assume so because they draw virtually no current, but would like to make sure. Thanks
 
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Old Mar 27, 2019
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Yes you can BUT don't ask me how ! My thought is why interrupt the DRL Circuit by adding load, consider this... If you do it this way, consider running a parallel circuit to the DLRs, the power to the DLR will actuate a relay, (.250 amp) that in turn draws power from the battery to the lights; at least the load for the actual lighting will be on the battery, the relay only draws 1/4 of an Amp so there shouldn't be any circuit problems.

Alternatives:

1) Connect them to the parking Light Circuit, which should be a little more robust to handle any additional load.

2) Go directly from a power-on circuit to a relay, then to the lights.
The new circuit lessen the load on any of the OEM Circuit you might want to tap power from (again .250 amp), also if something goes wrong with the lights you have a direct path to the power/relay/light wiring.

To me the old KISS Method is the way to do it... !

There are plenty of Lighting Circuit Schematics on the site, set one up and use a Power-On Line front the Truck to light things up.

Ltr
 
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Old Mar 28, 2019
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I've done several variations on the raptor led's
Here's a link to my google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/tmzZC2VWvRUSJCgK2
I just did a set using some high power round yellow led's (about 1/2" diameter) they're stupid bright.
 
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Old Mar 28, 2019
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Originally Posted by buggman
I've done several variations on the raptor led's
Here's a link to my google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/tmzZC2VWvRUSJCgK2
I just did a set using some high power round yellow led's (about 1/2" diameter) they're stupid bright.
Looks good.
What are the dimensions of the larger letters ?
Can you give a little better picture of the Grille LEDs ?

Thanks Terry,
 
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Old Mar 29, 2019
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I did them, you can PM me for more details. It wasn't terribly difficult. I did three amber leds in the middle spaced out a little bit. Drill upward into the grille and mount them in with the rubber grommet that comes with it. I ran the positive to the running lights(Since they are on both with running and headlights) and brought the negative to the battery terminal. I would recommend drilling holes in the supports of the metal beam behind the grille in order to run the wire. Not really all that hard other than avoiding the ford emblem that sticks out in order to place the middle one, which is a pain, you have to drill on an angle unless you want to go through removing it, I didn't since I have the 04 grille. I also put some white ones on the far sides since the 04 grille has like 10% on each side sectioned off. The white ones were sticky which makes it easy. They look awesome IMO.
Link to lights
Amazon Amazon
I got the white sticky ones at walmart one day on sale
 

Last edited by RangerNick04; Mar 29, 2019 at 07:06 PM.
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Old Mar 29, 2019
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Originally Posted by RangerNick04
I did them, you can PM me for more details.
Pictures... !
 
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Old Mar 29, 2019
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I'm new to the forum, ill do my best give me a minute to try n figure it out
 
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Old Mar 29, 2019
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Old Mar 29, 2019
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Old Mar 29, 2019
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Will post pictures of the actual bulbs and wiring so that you can see tomorrow, I am happy to post a how-to if theres people who want it
 
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Old Mar 29, 2019
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If you wired them into the parking light circuit I'd be really interested to see a writeup. I'm eager to put clearance lights on my ranger once I can finish the mechanical issues. Just did a cylinder head, and literally just now finished putting new u joints in the driveshaft. Going to put the shaft back on tomorrow and see if I am mechanically sound, and if I am the next project is clearance lights. I just like the way they look :)
 
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Old Mar 29, 2019
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RangerNick04,

Lights are bright but look good !

Nice job, like the side white lights, interesting... !
 
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Old Mar 30, 2019
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Appreciate all the input. I'll probably just wire them straight to the parking light then, and if it doesnt work out well ill just run your usual relay set up and use the daily running lights as the signal line. Liking the pics in this thread! I got the older / 03 honeycomb grill style so ill just need a stud kind of amber lights and use washers behind them since the " holes" are already in the grill. Also got clearance lights to throw on the truck when exams conclude!
 
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Old Mar 30, 2019
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My opinion is to go to the running lights, super easy access and simple process. run the wires underneath the plastic lip of the grille, pics and videos coming
 
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Old Feb 18, 2020
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From: vincent ohio
Icon5 grilles

Originally Posted by buggman
I've done several variations on the raptor led's
Here's a link to my google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/tmzZC2VWvRUSJCgK2
I just did a set using some high power round yellow led's (about 1/2" diameter) they're stupid bright.
Where can I buy the grill and ford letters? Thanks joey!
 
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