95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

placement for aux light switches

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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 04:37 AM
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From: Binghamton, NY
placement for aux light switches

This is kind of trivial, but in case people haven't thought about it...

Most people seems to be running the switches for their aux lights on the dash below the driver's side vent (in the stock location). I did this for a long time with no problems. However, it was very inconvenient for me. I drive primarily with my left hand... so having to use my left hand to turn off my driving lights was a hastle.

So I moved them. Now I can keep my left hand on the wheel, and my right hand on the switches. Very easy, very convenient.

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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 04:43 AM
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your runner's lookin a bit dirty!

good idea though.
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 04:48 AM
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Good idea as long as you don't mind making more holes LOL
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 04:58 AM
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From: Binghamton, NY
Originally Posted by FilthyRich
Good idea as long as you don't mind making more holes LOL
The holes are already there - all you have to do is remove the filler piece. That can easily be put back if you ever decide to remove the switches.
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 05:02 AM
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From: Montreal, QC Canada
Looks good to mount them there...
Only drawback is just the extra time to bring the wire back to that location rather than just under the dash.
I would do it your way just for aesthetics and ergonomics alone.
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 06:34 AM
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From: Virgina
Originally Posted by jacksonpt
The holes are already there - all you have to do is remove the filler piece. That can easily be put back if you ever decide to remove the switches.
Not on my anymore since doing the 99+ cup holder MOD
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...42607420bXJgsG

Last edited by WT; Jan 4, 2005 at 06:36 AM.
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 06:43 AM
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From: boston, ma
i imagine that above the cubby hole you could squeeze a button in.
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 07:07 AM
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From: Orlando, FL
In second gens there are only a few places to put them, so I'm not sure it makes any sense to discuss...but I will. There are two slots in the dash to the left of the steering wheel (this spot is OK, but when you're driving and you have to turn them off in a hurry, i.e., oncoming car its a little more work, gotta use the abs...eesh) and there are two spots in the center console, probably a more suitable spot and I have been consider rewiring my lights but...well...that just scares me!

Good luck man!

Fink
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by WT
Not on my anymore since doing the 99+ cup holder MOD
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...42607420bXJgsG
Same here
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 08:10 AM
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Well, fine - the hell with all you updated console people... see what you're missing out on for a lousy 2 cupholders
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 08:16 AM
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From: Brooklyn, NY
Man,
and I thought I was lazy!

When I decide to wire up my aux rears I'm going to put the switch there and then keep the forward facing lights in the dash. Makes me want to go clean out my engine bay right now so I could start working on it this week. Hmmm...

Well, since this isn't TOO off topic and you are probably a pro at this since you have so many darn lights like I'm going to have. I was wondering how you keep your relays protected. I don't know about everyone else but my engine bay gets DIRTY and I don't think having muddy water come up and splash the open relays is a good thing. I was wondering what everyone was doing to protect those little goobers. Ive got a nice set of bosch relays and seats that my dad had lay'n around but there are only two of them and I'm going to need more. I looked at Corey's writeup but they are just chill'n on the top of the engine bay exposed.



For his aplication that works great since they actually have cool places to wheel. But us poor poor southeastern coastliners... (uuh... right ) Sometimes you just want to go wheel'n and there is nothing but mud, and mud gets EVERYWHERE!


Last edited by turboale; Jan 4, 2005 at 08:17 AM.
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 09:03 AM
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Yeah I had to do this a while ago since my ARB switches are now on the dash. I went ahead and moved my fuse block to the console too. The three way switch is for the rear lights (On (with lights on), off, or On with reverse light (with lights on)). All relays are are on the underside of the console (opposite of where the fuse block is).



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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 09:35 AM
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From: Binghamton, NY
Originally Posted by turboale
I was wondering how you keep your relays protected.
The relays for my bumper mounted lights (the 4000s and the 75s) are in the engine bay. I wrapped them good with electrical tape to help keep the water out, and zip-tied them high up in the engine bay. Haven't had any problems. The relays for my roof rack mounted lights are inside - in a custom storage unit I keep in the cargo area.
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 09:53 AM
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From: Virgina
Originally Posted by jacksonpt
Well, fine - the hell with all you updated console people... see what you're missing out on for a lousy 2 cupholders
I rather have my cup holders
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Old Jan 4, 2005 | 10:19 AM
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Originally Posted by turboale
I was wondering how you keep your relays protected. I don't know about everyone else but my engine bay gets DIRTY and I don't think having muddy water come up and splash the open relays is a good thing. I was wondering what everyone was doing to protect those little goobers.
I've only recently joined the ranks of 4Runner owners, but I've been planning out the electrical mods I intend to make. (I hate ugly electrical wiring nests so I intend to put appropriate fuse & relay blocks from the beginning)

Check out these Hella "splash proof" relay blocks; they might do the trick. Note that I haven't tried one yet, perhaps someone else here has. Go to RallyLights.com and scroll down.

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