TJM T13 installation

[Bloomer]

Received my TJM T13 today. Going through the parts inventory and instructions and have a few questions for those who have tackled installation and don't mind weighing in....

Can the lights be wired in after installation of the bumper? I'm not much for wiring and would prefer having someone that can run wire and solder do it properly.

I've read on the forum that the brackets have to be cut off to install the bumper. I don't see this in the instructions. Anyone else install a t13 recently where they found this wasn't required (new design, maybe)?

Initial impressions are I'm impressed by the weight of it. Not sure why, but wasn't expecting it to be as heavy as it is. Also a bit intimidated by all the parts. Looks like it's going to be more complicated to install than the original bumper was to remove.

 

[Bloomer]

Yeah....the brackets have to come off. One down, one to go.

 

[paflytyer]

@nakman can probably give you some firsthand info.

 

[ntsaint]

John you're going from mostly stock to built in less than a year! Impressive...


...via IH8MUD app

 

[Bloomer]

Couple questions for TJM T13 owners.....

Marker lights...the bag of installation screws contained self taping screws and a nut? I don't see where the nut is to be used? Surely not expecting it to go on the self taping screw?

Wiring harnesses....rather than splicing into existing wiring, anyone build a wiring harness that will adapt the TJM wiring to the Toyota OEM harness?

Anyone find replacement options for the lights (marker lights and fog lights)? Overall, the construction of the bumper is great, but I'm not overly impressed with the lights. Maybe it's just me being overly picky....

What about when a light goes out? Do you have to go back to TJM for replacements?

Thanks.

 

[nakman]

I don't remember a nut with the lights, but I did end up with more than a few "extra parts" when all was said and done, don't be surprised if you don't use everything.

I spliced into the existing wiring- just shaved back the insulation never cut the wires. Guess I am not that worried about it. :shrug:

Agreed on the lights and fog lights. My turn signals have definitely yellowed, in fact they never were that clear. The fog lights will fill with condensation too. But then again, they have been completely submerged in water a few times and they still work, so I'm not complaining. It just looks odd when you see the water drops in there. I actually put a cheap HID kit in mine for the bulbs, which work pretty good, actually much better than my stock high beams. I flip them off when there's oncoming traffic, have been flashed enough times to know they're too bright. Never got flashed with the stock bulbs in there.

 

[Bloomer]

Thanks nakman. I'm thinking of clipping the female clip off the wiring harness for the OEM fog lights and splicing in the TJM wiring harness. That way, I don't need to use their wiring and switch. I can just use the OEM switch that activated the original fog lights.

I'll likely do the same as you did and just splice in the marker light/turn signal.

I'm a little bummed with the quality of the lights. Hoping to find a replacement.

 

[nakman]

Thanks nakman. I'm thinking of clipping the female clip off the wiring harness for the OEM fog lights and splicing in the TJM wiring harness. That way, I don't need to use their wiring and switch. I can just use the OEM switch that activated the original fog lights.

I'll likely do the same as you did and just splice in the marker light/turn signal.

I'm a little bummed with the quality of the lights. Hoping to find a replacement.

Yes I did the same thing- using the fog light switch on the turn signal lever for the lights in the bumper. I don't remember much clipping though, I think when I did the HID kit I found a way where it was all just plug and play- but I don't remember exactly.


edit: this thread needs a pic. Those holes in the top plate make a good place for a little light bar.

 

[Bloomer]

That's good to know. I'll hold off on clipping the wires and spend some time looking for HIDs.

Thanks again.

 

[nakman]

I honestly think it was as simple as the bulbs- will one of the bulbs from the stock fog fit into the TJM fog? If so then you're done- just swap the bulbs over and leave the wiring alone.

 

[Bloomer]

I tried that with no luck. Thought I might stop by Autozone and see if I can find something that will work.