HOW TO; install off road lights
#1
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Year: 2000
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HOW TO; install off road lights
picked up a lightbar from craigslist but I have no idea how to get the wiring from the roof to where it needs to go. I know this is a dumb question and the MOD is easy to do ,I just dont know where to start
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Year: 98
Model: Cherokee
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Run all the wires to the driver's side. Pull the body weatherstrip down at the top front corner and use a dremel to notch the metal seam that the weatherstripping mounts over. Then run the wire through the notch and replace the weatherstripping over the wires. The wires should be between the body and the weatherstripping, not the weatherstripping and the door. This will keep your wires from crimping and keep the door seal intact. Run the wire behind the a-pillar and down behind the dash.
#3
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Year: 1999
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I was actually wondering about this too. I was thinking about using my stock front roof rack and drilling a whole under where it mounts to the roof and run the wires in that way. then rubber seal the rack mount and fill the whole up with rtv. then run the wires down the A pillar.
Not saying there is any thing wrong with Daddygreens' idea... not at all. but thats the way i wanna do it.
Not saying there is any thing wrong with Daddygreens' idea... not at all. but thats the way i wanna do it.
#4
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Year: 98
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The only problem with running the wire through the roof is that if you ever decide to remove the light bar, you have an ugly patch of RTV in the roof. If you go behind the weather stripping, you can remove them with no sign they were ever there. They're both usable options, but for me a clean, professional looking install is the only way to go.
#5
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I agree. thats why i said the hole should be UNDER the roof rack mount.i don't believe in making it work for the sake of making it work. its gotta to look stock.
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#8
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Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Straight 6
i have a question relating to this....the roof rack will hold the lights no problem i take it...but when its all wired where can i mount a switch ...the plastic in my 89 is somewhat flimsy im afraid of cracking the panel..any ideas????anything will be appreciated
#9
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Engine: 4.0 H.O. K&N, Borla headers, custom down pipe, magnaflow hi-flo cat, flowmaster to turn down tip
i ran my wires under the metal molding that clips on right over the windshield, then right down through the fender, and through the existing hole where a rubber grommet was. here is some photos for you to get an idea of what i did.
her is what my lights look like
i ran the wires zip tied to the light rack and down into the windshield molding.
into the fender (barely noticeable)
out of the exhisting hole in the fender, and grounded directly to the body.
here is the 40amp relay i used for all 4 HID 35w bulbs.
here is the power switch wire i ran into the cab and to the stock jeep switch.
ran the switch power from the switch to the accessory fuse spot open on the fuse box, so if i turn off the ignition, then the lights will turn off to, this is just in case i forget to turn them off, just my preference.
and here is the switches i used for a stock look. my rear defroster didnt work anyway, so i used the fog light switch for the bumper lights and the rear defroster switch (i actually swapped the switch itself for another fog light switch) was used for the roof lights.
her is what my lights look like
i ran the wires zip tied to the light rack and down into the windshield molding.
into the fender (barely noticeable)
out of the exhisting hole in the fender, and grounded directly to the body.
here is the 40amp relay i used for all 4 HID 35w bulbs.
here is the power switch wire i ran into the cab and to the stock jeep switch.
ran the switch power from the switch to the accessory fuse spot open on the fuse box, so if i turn off the ignition, then the lights will turn off to, this is just in case i forget to turn them off, just my preference.
and here is the switches i used for a stock look. my rear defroster didnt work anyway, so i used the fog light switch for the bumper lights and the rear defroster switch (i actually swapped the switch itself for another fog light switch) was used for the roof lights.
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Year: 1992
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^^^
thats what i did but i didnt have to make a hole like. mine just lifted up and the wires fit into into it. you cant hardly even see it. other than the wire going from the lights the rain rail.
thats what i did but i didnt have to make a hole like. mine just lifted up and the wires fit into into it. you cant hardly even see it. other than the wire going from the lights the rain rail.
#11
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Year: 1994
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Engine: 4.0 H.O. K&N, Borla headers, custom down pipe, magnaflow hi-flo cat, flowmaster to turn down tip
yea i didnt make a hole either, it already is slanted like roof lights were made to go there...
#12
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Year: 1999
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That looks like a good install. I was thinking about running the wire through the roof (obviously) then under the headliner to my dome light. it looks like there is room for like 3-4 switches. anyone do this on a 97-01 that might have some pics. i know there is a circuit board there but that is for the keyless entry. it turns the interior lights on when entering the truck. mine no longer works so removing the circuit board to put switches in would be ok for me. It runs my battery down when its hookerd up. so i've had it unplugged since i bought the jeep last year.
then there would be no need for switch boxes or cutting holes int he dash. hell i have 2 dome lights so i could def see if its doable before i do anything else.
then there would be no need for switch boxes or cutting holes int he dash. hell i have 2 dome lights so i could def see if its doable before i do anything else.
Last edited by OEJ; 07-27-2011 at 10:56 AM.
#13
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Year: 1992
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Originally Posted by OEJ
That looks like a good install. I was thinking about running the wire through the roof (obviously) then under the headliner to my dome light. it looks like there is room for like 3-4 switches. anyone do this on a 97-01 that might have some pics. i know there is a circuit board there but that is for the keyless entry. it turns the interior lights on when entering the truck. mine no longer works so removing the circuit board to put switches in would be ok for me. It runs my battery down when its hookerd up. so i've had it unplugged since i bought the jeep last year.
then there would be no need for switch boxes or cutting holes int he dash. hell i have 2 dome lights so i could def see if its doable before i do anything else.
then there would be no need for switch boxes or cutting holes int he dash. hell i have 2 dome lights so i could def see if its doable before i do anything else.
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#14
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Year: 1999
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Did you install your light switches in the dome light?? if so thats what i would like pics of.
i was looking at my other dome light, and when i took the circuit board out i had room for 5 switches with about 1/4" spacing between them.
i was looking at my other dome light, and when i took the circuit board out i had room for 5 switches with about 1/4" spacing between them.
Last edited by OEJ; 07-27-2011 at 11:13 AM.