Roof clearance lights install?

[RTG]

Hello All. I am a new member and have purchased a new 2004 ctd, my first diesel I ever owned. I Love the truck but I always liked the look of the orange clearance lights on the roof, and my truck did not come with. I am considering installing them on my rig. Now the questions: If purchased, is the install somewhat easy or a major ordeal? Is the fact that Drilling is required after factory coating, will rust become a factor later on as lights seals wear. Finally, if I decide to get it done, do the dodge dealerships do these type of installs ( I realise I just upset more than half of you, very sorry). Although I have been reading this web sites forums since august, I have not been able to locate anything regarding these lights. Thanks everyone for your assistance, This is a fantastic and informative forum. . Roy

 

[Grizzly]

grizzly

All one ton and larger trucks come standard with clearance lights. If my truck didn't already have them, I wouldn't install them. Your biggest problem will be wiring each light and then running a switch leg to the light switch. I would run an on/off toggle switch to the glove box instead of tying to the light switch. The lights will come with a good seal so I don't see a problem there. Grizzly

 

[DieselMinded]

Heres my thread... . its a second gen tho. .



but it may help



DM



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124025

 

[VStahl]

I installed mine. Bought the light kit (all prewired oem kit for the 03 and newer Ram) from www.dodgeparts.com. Used a hole saw to cut the holes in the roof for the lights to go through. Wiring into the truck wiring system was the easiest part because the truck comes prewired with the pigtail plug mounted behind the passenger "A" pillar, it will power the clearance lights any time the parking lamps are on.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Here's a little tip that might help you. I did the install on my 95 back in 96. The kit that I bought from the dealer came with a large template to lay on the roof to show me where to drill. I didn't pay enough attention to the position of the template and had it placed about 1/2" too far froward. The result was that the large hole I drilled for the bulb to sit in didn't line up with the large hole in the second layer of the roof that was already there. I had to wittle on that hole a little for everything to fit. Make sure you spend some extra time lining up the template (if they still come with one). Other than that, the install is a breeze. Save yourself some money and do it yourself.

 

[VStahl]

Oh yeah, forgot about the template. Be sure it is lined up well and mask tape it to the truck i several places. I drilled right through it for all the holes.

 

[Jengle]

One note, I didn't install mine, they came on the 3500, but started leaking early. It wasn't the seals, they were good and no evidence of leaks. I siliconed them, put them back on and still leaked. What did the trick was silicone on the screws that the lights mount with. Notice they are on the outside of the seals. When I sealed the screws, no more leaks.

 

[RTG]

Well I would like to thank all of you for your input. I went by the dealer just to feel them out on pricing, and they wanted $90. 00 for the kit and an additional $180. 00 to install it. after reading that last thread with the leaking problem, now I am considering leaving well enough alone. Damn they look good though. I'll be tossing this one around for a while...

 

[Jeff Clark]

The leak is only a few cases. I've had clearance lights on four trucks (both factory installed and self installed) and never had a leak problem. If you put them in, follow the tips provided by everyone here and seal them up good and you won't have a problem.

 

[desertryder]

Can I just guess the worst part is removing the headliner ?



any tricks for that ??

 

[DSutton]

Yes removing the headliner is the toughest part. Just take your time, and when you come to the coat hooks and visor hooks remember that they extend directly out then pop out of their socket. Two of mine were real easy, the others were a real bear. I also second the idea of taking lots of time, and tape to place the template. If you don't get in a rush you'll do fine.



Also, I Used a hole saw for the first hole and it was terrible, I used a spade bit (Generally used for woodworking) and it cut a beautiful hole.



Took me 2. 5-3 hrs, and I milked it.

 

[archer2500]

Dig around in here a bit more. There was an EXCELLENT post by a member who posted digital pics of the process, headliner removed and all, as well as the step by step instructions from the kit he bought. I am looking to do it myself over spring break. It doesnt look like TOO BAD a job (famous last words right?)

 

[DocDetonancour]

Got mine installed by a local vendor for 1/3 what the dealer wanted. Love em and no leaks. Can't tell from factory. Doc

 

[JRensel]

I have had 4 of mine replaced under warrantee. They were cracked on the side near the base, and fogging inside. If you look at the lights or lay them on a flat surface they are basically flat, but the roof is curved where they are installed. So if you screw em on, don't over torque em and use some silicon on the screws like they say.



I just glad Dodge doesn't consult for Cummins!

 

[RTG]

I would like to thank all of you once again for your help. I have now decided to wait a while and get a much needed tonneau cover instead. Leaks scare me to death, no drilling for the cover install. I was considering getting the folding type cover, any thoughts on that? I will make a new post at some point to canvas my new knowledgeable friends at TDR... Oo.