Clearance/Cab Lights

[MBlanks]

Did any of the first generations come from the factory with clearance lights, and if so, where in the world could I find some to put on my truck. I would prefer lights that at least look like the original ones.



Mark

 

[Philip]

The 350 series had clearance lights. I think the camper specials in the 250 class had them also.

 

[tugboatphil]

Mark,



My 350 has factory clearance lights, but in my (not so) humble opinion, you could do better. They look kind of cheap. There's lots of aftermarket choices that look better. If I was going to replace mine, I'd get some that are all lense. The base on mine are a grayish tan (not sure what it was new) plastic.



My $. 02

 

[bgilbert]

Mark, I installed a set from JC Whitney for around $40. Not the best quality. If i were to do it again, I would try to find a set of 1st gen OEM cab lights, as I think they look better. No more el cheapo parts for me. . I have pics in my readers rigs if you want to see them. Also if u search for cab clearance lights, u should come up with my previous posts on them. Bill

 

[Greenleaf]

Cab Lights

Got mine from NAPA. They have several to choose from. The F#%D and the G#C look cool so I went with the style from another manufacturer. Mine are the same found on a G#C truck. All lens. Boy,,,what a pain to wire them all up Look good though and well worth it. Looks naked w/out.



-S

 

[sparks57]

I got a set of the "high five" oem dodge style lights...



It took some carefull planning and a lot of measuring (I wouldn't want to make a mistake when drilling holes in the ol' girl!) but it turned out really well I think.

 

[bgilbert]

Scott, have a pic of them? Not the 3 in one lense in center, then two, one on left and one on right are they?? Bill

 

[RSchwarzli]

Mark,



I got a set from Dodge that was off a second gen. It comes as a complete kit, wiring harness and all. It even comes with a paper templet that works with the first gen roof line perfectly. However being from the second gen, you have to splice it into the parking light wire off the head light switch. Best of all it looks really neat at night lighting up the Ram on the hoods butt. :--) Oo.

 

[MBlanks]

[Best of all it looks really neat at night lighting up the Ram on the hoods butt. ]



Well, its good to see someone else here actually has a truck has the Ram on the front. I will never understand why the did away with the hood ornament on the '91 model, it's one of my favorite things about my truck.



Btw, that sounds likea pretty good way to do go with the clearance lights. Is it really as much trouble to wire up as everyone says it is?



Mark

 

[sparks57]

I have 29 running lights, all running off of a relay.



There is NO WAY I would try to draw that much through the stock switch without a relay.



Just the clearance lights would be ok, but I would still be better safe than sorry and put in a relay.



Just my $. 02

 

[MBlanks]

BSchwarzli, where did you get your intercooler from. I have really been wanting to install one on my truck. The main thing that has kept me from doing it was that it looked like it would be an absolute pain to put in, how bad was it really?



Mark

 

[1stgen4evr]

clearance lights

The first gen trucks will begin to have light switch problems as the lights are added on. Yep, they look good but use a relay. You will be glad you did. CB may be able to expand on that for you. I have not yet done it but I should have. I have now got light switch problems.



1stgen4evr

James

 

[Greenleaf]

Cab Lights

There is a couple of shots of cab lights in my readers rig album



Scott

 

[bgilbert]

Good looking truck, Scott. Love the Budd wheel covers. Like the cab clearance lights too. Bill

 

[dpuckett]

CB Parker- 29 lights? You runnin for 3/4T Chicken Hauler of The Year? Send me a pic of the lights on in the dark or at dusk, so they'll show up better. Also wouldnt mind a diagram of how you did the relay, though that is in the magazine, I believe.



Question-

Which wire do I splice into/ install a relay to get the clearance lights and fender markers to flip on and off with a switch, like the big rigs? Heck ,throw in the tail lights, since the fender lights run off that anyway.



MBlanks- you will have to do some shaving the backside of your grille to get it to fit behind there, as well as cut some holes for the inlet and outlet to fit thru. Many have done it, and the benefits far outweigh the PITA it can be.

Daniel

 

[cwienenga]

clearance lights

just a note;



the cab lights with three in the middle on 350's,trailers,etc. are

DOT indicating vehicle is over 80" in width.

also the thin lights on the tailgate and fenders can be replaced with led units and will cut the amp draw down significantly.



cliff

 

[RSchwarzli]

MBlanks,



You asked about the intercooler. We purchased the truck about two years ago, and at that time the kit had already been instaled. I think the intercooler we have was one of the kits that was available for these trucks in the early 90's from companies like Banks. Looking at it it seems fairily straight forward. Either sides of the radiater wall have been cut to allow for the tubes for the intercooler which is mounted infront of the radiator, hence the custom tube grill that came with the kit which is needed for clearance. The only thing I really noticed different is the fact that the jack can no longer go under the hood as tubes go thru the area the jack was mounted. I hope this is somewhat helpful.



Robert



If you cant DODGE it, RAM it!!

 

[sparks57]

I'll get a pic id my truck tonight, and I'll take a pic of my relays under the hood.



I could draw up a diagram, but it's pretty simple.

 

[MBlanks]

CB, thanks, I'm sure that having some pics to go buy would help a lot. The main thing I'm worried about is drilling into my cab and running the wires. Hope I don't mess up anything...



Mark

 

[sparks57]

It was really easy... I'll get some pics out tonight if I can. My computer is off being fixed, so I will have to find someone else who has a digital camera.



Make sure you have some kind of fish tape... you're gonna need it!