Light bar for an '05

[AKjeff]

I had been looking for a tube type light bar for the front bumper of my '05. I couldn't find one I liked so I built one. I thought I'd share it here in case others need some ideas for something similer.

It bolts to the two inner bumper bolts, just outboard of the tow hooks, the design allows the tow hooks to be used. The bumper bolts are "captive" in that they are held to the bumper assembly by those goofy spring type washers that are used to hold brake drums on. A little careful work with a ballpeen hammer drove the bumper bolts out, breaking the spring type washers. These bolts are right in front of the radiator, so there's only about three inches to swing the hammer. I removed the tow hooks to install the bar, then bolted everything on.

Here's the finished bar before installation.

And another shot of the bar before I installed the lights or tow hooks.

 

[grey ghost]

great job , i was waiting for something like this. i've been looking but all i could find is something that uses the plate holes and looked flimsy as hell..
off to the welder

 

[AKjeff]

Thanks, I'm glad someone else can use the design.
The only thing I don't like about mine is I didn't allow much room to install the lights. It's a little tight between the bar and the bumper for a wrench, and there is no room for a socket and ratchet.

I'm not sure what I would have done differently. Maybe not tuck it in so close to the grill, that would leave room to get a full swing with a box wrench.

 

[ak96]

thats pretty spiffy! i like it!

 

[edgeaholic (tm)]

looks nice! are those the PIAA XT90'S? those are awesome lights

 

[AKjeff]

looks nice! are those the PIAA XT90'S? those are awesome lights

I think they're XT60's, I've had them so long I forget. This is the second truck I've installed them on.

Awsome lights, I power the relay off the high beams and can see far enough down the road to excede the speed limit.

 

[crbnunit]

Where are you in AK? Look up www.alaska4x4network.com. I'm JeffJ there. Also http://www.akextreme4x4.com/

 

[AKjeff]

I'm in Ketchikan, not much wheeling down here but thanks for the links. If I ever make it north I'll look some folks up.