Hey guys!

So, I gave up on the grill and headlight conversion to an older system, It was just too much work and would be very costly.

However, I do want to change one thing to an older spec on my 2003 Ranger. I really like the 3 color tail lights from 93-99 rangers. Im a bit of an old school guy and think that the yellow turn signals stick out fairly better than the red. Also, I have hideaway strobes in my tail lights and would like to put them in the yellow sections to match the front yellow strobes in my side markers. Also, one of my tail lights is cracked and keeps getting condensation in.

So heres the Question: besides adding another socket for the turn signal, how would you wire in the new socket to get it to signal like the older Rangers. Right now with the 2 bulb set up, when the brake lights are engaged and the turn signal is activated, the tail light that is being flashed cuts the power from the brake light. Is there a simple way to make it operate like the older system?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Just got some good wire diagrams for both a 1998 ford ranger and my 2003 ranger.

Basically, converting to a 3 bulb system requires a bit of rewiring. Im not too worried about this as I am very good with electrical systems. Most of your wire splicing is going to be done in the steering column where the multifunction switch is. Ill tackle this job once I can get me the new tail lights and sockets. If it works, I will post the steps for everyone who may be interested in a similar conversion.

Stay tuned!

 

Please do, and good luck. This is something I've been meaning to look at - it would bring back memories from my first Ranger. :)

 

First I've heard of someone wanting those tails.

 

FOR ANYONE INTERESTED... IT WORKS!

Heres the steps to converting from a 2 bulb to 3 bulb system. First off, I do not recommend this to anyone who does NOT have experience with electrical work, especially automotive electrical. I am in no way responsible for any damages or malfunctions due to these steps not being followed correctly. This was simply something I wanted to do and want to share with you guys. MODIFY AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!

WIRE COLORS ARE FOR A 2003 2.3 4 Cyl RANGER. OTHER MODEL YEARS MY VARY! check wiring diagrams before cutting any wires.

I dont have pictures because I started the project at night and I wanted to get done. Also because I forgot the camera...

1: Locate and purchase 93-99 ford rainger tail lamps

2: Your going to need to buy a new back up light socket and pig tail. Found out the ones off older explorers work too.

3: Best to do the brake light work first. From the multifunction switch on your steering column (turn signal, brights switch), you need to locate the Light Green wire, Dark Blue with white stripe and Brown with Yellow stripe. The Light Green is coming from the brake light switch located on your brake pedal. you need to remove the steering column case, under dash and metal under dash plate.

4: Doesn't matter where you splice your wires, I did mine under the steering wheel in the under dash area since there was more room for a slice.

5: Cut the LtGreen wire going from your brake switch to the multi function switch. Cap off the end thats going to the multi function switch on the steering column, you wont use this.

6: Cut the DrkBlue/White wire and the Brown/Yellow wire coming from the vehicle. Cap off multifunction switch end on both wires and splice these two with the light green wire coming from the brake pedal.

7: On the tail lights, cut off your back up light socket, this will now be used as your turn signal socket. Splice black wire from new back up light socket and black wire on your turn signal socket to the black wire coming from the truck, this is your negative to the battery.

8: splice hot lead wire from new back up light socket to the old hot lead from the old back up light socket.

9: Run a shielded wire from your new turn signal hot lead to the hot lead wire of the turn signal in the front. Make sure to use the plastic wire wrapping case to prevent the wire from chaffing and cracking.

10: repeat steps 7-9 on the other side.

Some tips, make sure you use water proof splices. I used butt splices with a heat shrink on them then wrapped them in electrical tape a few times. DO NOT USE WIRE NUTS! Wire nuts can come loose and are best suited for electrical splices that are not subject to vibrations or moving.

Any questions just ask!

 

The DF-dub is doing work, nice right up.