2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Installing Cab Lights

[SFord]

I have had the Mopar cab light kit sitting here for about 3 weeks now and I am thinking about finally getting around to installing them. My question is have any of you that have installed this kit done so without pulling the head liner. I once had an 89 chev. and installed a set from the outside by fishing the wiring from one light to the next via the larger wiging holes in the roof. Then I just tucked the power and ground wires behind the pillar. Can this be done with alot of patience and time. I really dont want to pull the head liner to do this job. I just dont Know what kind of room there is between the liner and the roof. Any input from anybody that has installed this kit would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Thomas]

I installed them on my model year 2000. I DID pull down the front of the headliner-not a big deal. I can't imagine that your method would be any easier-probably more difficult. Or impossible!

 

[SFord]

what does it take to pull the front part of the liner down?

 

[Thomas]

I'm doing this from memory-not looking at my service manual or truck. If I overlook something someone will surely jump on in.



You will need to remove both visors, passenger-assist handles if so equipped, trim from both A-pillars, and the trip computer. The front of the headliner should then pull down. The A-pillar trim pulls off and the trip computer needs one or two screws removed-you should be able to open the "doors" on the computer and figure it out.



Re-installation is the reverse and is fairly simple.



The most difficult part of the install was installing the wire at the back of the fuse block. Hopefully someone will post an easy way for that part of the install.

 

[BigDaddy]

Cab Lights posts.

Thomas's reply is right on the money You don't have to remove the entire overhead.



For more information see Cab Lights?? and Installing Cab Clearance Lights

 

[tgbol]

On my truck the trip comuter is held in place by two clips. the clips are in the compartment for the garage door opener. Pry down slightly at the front of the trip computer. Pop the clips with a screwdriver and slide the computer towards the rear of the truck

 

[Thomas]

Could be clips on mine too—at my age the memory is like a sieve.



However it is attached, one look inside and intuition will take you the rest of the way!

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Hardest part is aligning the paper template on the top of the truck. Tends to slide around quite a bit. Then comes the most painful part of all... Drilling 15 holes in the pristine roof of your Ram... I went through it on my '98. 5, and man, I was nervous... Turned out sweet though!

 

[SFord]

Got the holes drilled and the lights mounted today and will attempt lowering the head liner nxt weekend. Thanks to all who posted on this.

 

[JGabl]

Cab lights...

While we are talking about cablights... Went to order the 'kit' at the dealer Fri. Said it's not available and he couldn't find a old part no. ! Could buy individualy at $15. PER LIGHT and then buy the harness seperately(was afraid to ask how much) and still NO TEMPLATE! JCWhitney has a set that are supposed to be the same as O. E. M. , anybody use these? Thanks, Jim.

 

[Thomas]

Jim,



The Mopar kit is #82205120. Any Mopar parts counter has the ability to do a search on this number and find the closest dealer with the kit in stock.



The lights in this kit are from Peterson Manufacturing -the 120 series. The following will show you the style (in red). The lights in the kit are amber.



#ad






Good Luck!

 

[SFord]

When I ordered my light kit they were on back order and it took about 2 weeks to get them in. The p/n off the box kit is 82205120. Theses are being produced and are available. Find a parts man that is willing to spend more than 15 sec. and you will get this kit. Good luck.

 

[groundpounder]

Do they make two different styles?? (low pro, regular?)

 

[SFord]

I believe Mopar only offers one style, but Peterson may make others. Not sure on this.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

SFord,



When you go to wire the lights, don't pay much attention to doing it the way the directions say. I tried doing that, and it didn't work. Some of the other guys on the site have had the same problem. What I did was just tie onto the black and yellow wire coming out of the back of the headlight switch. Just center splice and solder, and you're done. Takes 10 minutes. Much easier than trying to do it the way they say to.

 

[SFord]

Thanks Evan, I think I will use the method you suggested for tapping the power supply.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Glad I could help! Any more questions, just let me know!

 

[Tom Trujillo]

templates

Great info on the cab lights. My truck came without and my father in law gave me a complete kit he bought a couple years ago but never installed. Its in the garage but I dont recall seeing any templates. Assuming its not there, where can I get the template? Is it a part at the dealer. Also, I assume the template goes from side to side on the roof? Otherwise, how do you get the exact spacing ??



Sorry about the dumb questions but I am debating whether to take this on for myself.



Tom

 

[Dkevdog]

Re: Cab lights...

Originally posted by JGabl

While we are talking about cablights... Went to order the 'kit' at the dealer Fri. Said it's not available and he couldn't find a old part no. ! Could buy individualy at $15. PER LIGHT and then buy the harness seperately(was afraid to ask how much) and still NO TEMPLATE! JCWhitney has a set that are supposed to be the same as O. E. M. , anybody use these? Thanks, Jim.

Jim - I have the JC Whitney ones you're talking about. They were $26... ... . I'm sure the same you saw. They look pretty close, you don't get a template though, so it took some time to lay them out. They look good though and are pretty close to factory. Make sure if you get though you don't use their screws- do yourself a favor and get some 8x2 sheet metal screws at HD. The ones they supply are cheap as hell and I broke two of them off in the sheet metal before learning the lesson. Also, be careful not to drill through the headliner, I pulled mine down partially and the wedge Iput there to keep it down and out of the way slipped and I ended up piercing the liner. (I hate it when I do that) Can't really tell though. Still pissed me off.



Kev

 

[Oasis-3]

Tom I sent the template out to you today, hope you get it for the weekend

Glade I could help

Cliff