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I've been looking to install some of the clearance (aka cab? see many terms for it) lights on the top of the cab in my 2011 F150 Lariat. They look awesome and I think it would be a cool addition. I've seen some videos for installing on 250s and other kinds of trucks but haven't been able to find a guide for an actual F150. Anyone that has done this have any advice or know of a good video/guide out there on the install?
Most times there won't be a write up or video for half tons - simply because they don't need clearance lights for any reason. You see write ups and videos for 3/4 and 1 tons because a lot of people add them when they throw on a deck or welding rig, etc. Half tons, like our beloved F-150's, simply aren't wide enough to warrant requirement. The Raptor is wide enough to require clearance lights, but it uses the LED's in the high stop light and below the tail lights, as well as the LED's in the grille and below the head lights.
It's simple enough to add onto your truck though. Remove your headliner, chop holes, power them to park lights, seal up nice and good, and voila - cab marker lights. If you have a sunroof, it'll be a bit easier to do stuff from the top side. Using the lines in the roof, line up the 3 center ones with the 3 center lines. Measure out from the side of the truck an even distance that looks good to you and place the remaining lights there. Usually the (side to side) 1 and 5 lights are slightly further from 2 and 4 than 2 and 4 are from the center, which adds to the aesthetic quality and all that.
I would not make the difference in distance as severe as the above photo, instead I'd line the 3 center lights with the 3 center lines in the roof, like previously stated
I recently got in a set of LED smoked marker lights myself, but weather in Alberta sucks something serious, so I'm probably going to wait until spring to do mine as I don't have a garage.
Hope that helps!
Last edited by Jeriko; 11-14-2014 at 05:20 PM.
Reason: My spelling apparently sucks today
For weather-proofing and all that jazz, just look up generic instructions of how to install cab lights. Other than what wire to plug into, it's fairly universal. You could even throw on chebby cab lights if you want. I like the current style Dodge/Ram cab marker lights personally.
Last edited by Jeriko; 11-14-2014 at 05:20 PM.
Reason: My spelling apparently sucks today.
Appreciate all the advice! Thanks for the info Jeriko and for digging up that link, I think it's a good fit for my situation and will help a lot. Now to build up the nerve to take a drill to the roof of my baby
The first set of cab lights I installed I spent longer messing with the template to make sure it was perfect. The '13 Ram 2500 I drilled last took me more time to pull the headliner down than to drill/install the lights.
Speaking from experience, pull the headliner first, and make sure you're not trying to drill into / through a doubled steel structure area (by the A pillar). It can really become a nightmare. Don't ask.
That aside, make sure you clean (compressed air) the shavings VERY WELL and that the mounting gaskets are clean and treated with a vinyl type treatment (NOT ARMORALL) before install. I've installed multiple sets without silicone and NEVER had a leak.
11-14-2014, 03:07 AM
F150 Clearance Lights
