FJ40 Tail lights to replace stock minitruck tail lights on flatbed build???

[toomanytoyzz]

Do you think this will work? I am planning on building a flatbed for a 1982 Toyota P/U I purchased last month, and I've been doing some reading regarding the problems one can encounter when swapping in LED's and such from the OEM tail lights.

I'm not sure if the plugs are the same between the FJ40's tail light and the '82's (highly doubt it), but I can use the pigtail from the '82 tail light and splice it into the FJ40 tail light assemblies if need be.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mudder]

When I built my flatbed I went to my local Napa and picked up some of their cheap oval lights. Then wired them into the stock harness.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

When I built my flatbed I went to my local Napa and picked up some of their cheap oval lights. Then wired them into the stock harness.

From reading other threads on some other boards (pirate, yotatech) you have a problem going this route due to the 1157 double filament bulb. I've read that it will cause problems with your turn signals if you wire it the way you would think would make the trailer lights work in place of the factory ones.

I'm guessing you didn't have this issue? If so let me know how you wired the lights. Pics would also be great.

 

[pappy]

From reading other threads on some other boards (pirate, yotatech) you have a problem going this route due to the 1157 double filament bulb. I've read that it will cause problems with your turn signals if you wire it the way you would think would make the trailer lights work in place of the factory ones.

Confused. I run LEDs on my 85, and my FJ40. You only need a new flasher to handle the turn signal duties.

 

[Mudder]

I didn't have a problem as they aren't LED's. What I did was pickup two turns and to brake/running lights. Which are three wire on each bulb and I wired that into the stock harness just like stock lights

 

[ntsqd]

If you only want one tail light per side you'll need to buy or build a trailer lights converter and put it between your existing tail light wiring and the new lights. Otherwise you need a stop/tail light (1157/equiv.) and a turn signal light (1156/equiv.) for each side.

As stated LEDs require an appropriate flasher, but other than that it's not a big deal. One thing that doesn't get much play is that LED lights are heavier than incandescent bulbs and can wear out the OEM light socket faster if subjected to high speed on rough roads.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

Thanks guys!! It looks like I'll be putting the flatbed build on hold. I'm going down to Roanoke, VA this weekend to pick up a 1980 Toyota pickup 2WD with a rust free bed and tailgate I found on craigslist. I'll be way ahead of the game getting this since it has a nicer interior and also a good passenger side door and hood which I need as well.

 

[Mid TN]

if your tail lights from the 40 are for a '73, I can use them!

 

[toomanytoyzz]

Keeping them for a later date. The bed I have now is decent, but will not remain in its current condition around here. Basically, building a flatbed will be inevitable.