How To: Light bar in lower grille (03-05)

So I've seen this done tons of times and a few different variations of mounting, including a pre fab mount that some guy on t4r is selling. heres how I did it without fabricating anything and only drilling 4 holes.

step 1: buy stuff
Auxbeam 32" 180w

$120 Auxbeam 32" LED Light Bar 180W Off Road Driving Lights LED Work Light Spot Flood Fog Lamp 5D Lens with Wiring Harness for Car, Truck, Offroad Vehicle, ATV, UTV, Pickup

https://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-1800...TF8&qid=1469406506&sr=8-1&keywords=auxbeam+32
Universal Harness
https://www.amazon.com/Mictuning-Un..._SR160,160_&psc=1&refRID=K59JRWVRGM7HGHKNNPJM

I then went down to the local hardware store and bought two L brackets, and 4 self tapping screws. Once I piled my parts together I took some measurements.

The first thing I did was make sure that with the bracket connected to the lights mounts it would sit flush with the front of the bumper. Once I knew that it would and that I could start.

Step 1: Cutting. I used a jigsaw with a metal blade to cut out the lower grille. it went through it like a hot knife through butter, and I used a file to smooth out everything and make it look nice
Step 2: I place the light bar where I wanted it height wise and marked my L brackets so I knew where to drill holes, then I mounted the lights mounts to the L brackets
Step 3: With the light and L brackets together, I slid it into the spot where I wanted it to sit (flush and centered in the grille), then marked holes to drill
Step 4: For this part, I took the bumper cover off so it was easier to drill and mount the light.
Step 5:I drilled pilot holes for my self tapping screws to go in, then had someone hold the light and mounts while I put in the self tapping screws, securing everything
Step 6: Once tightened, I put the bumper cover back on to make sure it was where I wanted it to be.
Step 7: Wiring!
Step 8: Enjoy your light!

Mounts on the frame rails (which are exactly 32" apart)


Better shot of where the L bracket mounts to the light



Finished Product

 

Didn't think about mounting it like that. Nice, clean and simple

 

I love this. It's so clean. Do you think you would be able to mount it behind the grille? What would that look like on the back end?

 

you definitely can, i moved it forward so it would be flush, but people have mounted it behind the grill. its really easy and theres a lot of space

 

I just bought two 6" LED bars and mounted them behind the bottom grille. It looks great and is pretty low-profile.

 

Here are the lights on a solid blue and white setting. The grille filters the light so it's the brightest head on. I can use multiple colors and modes, which can be controlled from my phone. Here's a link to the lights I bought for this. https://www.autozone.com/exterior-l...ype-s-6-in-smart-running-light-kit/247559_0_0