Has anyone installled running board lights to their 2nd gen 4runner. I've seen later model suv's with them and I think it's a neat idea. It seems like it would be simple to do. I'm also thinking of adding side markers to the body. Has anybody undergone that operation? Any input would be great.

 

Momo:

Are you talking about the ones on the end caps that point towards each other so they illuminate the steps themselves when the door opens? I believe the Navigators have them.

Or...(gulp)..are you talking about those gay lights that you sometimes see on tractor trailers on the steps? You know, like putting three rectangular lights on the metal part of the running board that faces the outsides? If so, DON'T DO IT, MAN!

If you plan to do the former, I imagine the hardest part would be to custom fab a whole big enough for the light. Tapping into the wiring should be the easiest part since the wiring is already close to the door.

Bob

 

I've done the side markers. Cutting the hole is the biggest PITA. Looks good and the safety factor is a plus.
Side markers
I agree with Bob on the running lights.
butnut

 

Funny you mentioned the RB lamps, that is a project that is on my pending list of mods to perform.

Also I saw a Runner last week with 5 yellow/orange rectangular running lamps mounted on each RB. Made it look like one of the big rigs/tractor trailers. Not my cup of tea, but it didnt look too bad.

 

I'm talking about the RB lights like the Navigators. Where the lights would light up the RBs when I open the door or when I disarm my alarm. I've seen the other lights you guys mentioned and I don't really care for them either, maybe if I drove a F150 dually or something.

 

Are those sidemarkers clear with an amber bulb? If they are, why didn't you do your "patented" silver painted bulb? They look really good!

 

Thanks Cebby. The side marker has a glued in amber cap. No way to remove it unlike my front turn sigs. I used a hyper-white LED instead of the stock 194 bulb. It's so bright, it makes it look yellow, which I like.
butnut

 

Check it out! the new HelixSurfs have the option... maybe the 4runs will have it too. Guess you could cross your fingers and maybe they will fit our trucks..??

 

Here's an idea. Install some small side marker lights on each end of the running board with some white LED bulbs. Run the power wire underneath the 4Runner and into the engine bay and then go through the firewall by the driver's left foot. If you have done the footwell lighting, you can tie into your power right there and presto, they will illuminate when you open the door. Only concern would be adding another load on that circuit, which already has four extra bulbs for the footwell lights. Worth thinking about though. Later.

Matt

 

I saw a TRD Sequoia (sp?) with running board lights. The lights weren't mounted at the ends like the HelixSurfs above. They were mounted at the back of the RB right about at the center of each door. You may be able to buy these lights and do the same thing to your RBs. I think the shape of the running boards are pretty similar in this area.

Anyways, that's my $.02 worth.
Have fun.
DH6twinotter

 

DH6twinotter,
That sounds pretty cool and doesn't sound too difficult to do. I think my idea about wiring them in with the footwell lamps would work also. I may have to give it a try. Later.

Matt