MPTee
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I removed my factory 3rd brake light shortly after purchase for better visibility when backing, planning on replacing it with something more out of the way (Mopar relocation kit, LED ring, etc.). I finally got around to a DIY fix, but will still need to raise it up 1.75" for better visibility from behind. Once that it is done it should be street legal and ready to roll.
Basically, I took the 3rd light off the large bracket and mounted it directly to the spare tire mount. With factory Rubicon wheels, it shines nicely through the opening and cannot be seen from inside the vehicle. When it's raised 1.75", it'll nearly double the visible light to the rear.
I removed the tire and tire mount. I left the wires in place and laid out the holes I'd need to drill into the mount. It's plastic coated aluminum, so it's easy to drill. (My measurements are all S.A.E. but are close enough to get the job done. Metric is an option if you swing that way.)
I used the rearmost part of the mount for the base line, marked the center of it (fore and aft) and drilled the holes to fit the stock light frame.
Here's the light mounted without the tire...
As I noted above - raising the light 1.75" will greatly increase the visibility from behind. I'll use an aluminum extrusion to lift it.
Note: With the light mounted here, you do have to be careful when replacing the spare since you can't "slide" it on. It'll be tougher still once the light is raised, but still very doable.
All told, about an hour's work and about 12¢ costs (needed longer screws to hold light to mount) and bingo.
Posting this thread actually took longer than the task itself.
Basically, I took the 3rd light off the large bracket and mounted it directly to the spare tire mount. With factory Rubicon wheels, it shines nicely through the opening and cannot be seen from inside the vehicle. When it's raised 1.75", it'll nearly double the visible light to the rear.
I removed the tire and tire mount. I left the wires in place and laid out the holes I'd need to drill into the mount. It's plastic coated aluminum, so it's easy to drill. (My measurements are all S.A.E. but are close enough to get the job done. Metric is an option if you swing that way.)
I used the rearmost part of the mount for the base line, marked the center of it (fore and aft) and drilled the holes to fit the stock light frame.
Here's the light mounted without the tire...
As I noted above - raising the light 1.75" will greatly increase the visibility from behind. I'll use an aluminum extrusion to lift it.
Note: With the light mounted here, you do have to be careful when replacing the spare since you can't "slide" it on. It'll be tougher still once the light is raised, but still very doable.
All told, about an hour's work and about 12¢ costs (needed longer screws to hold light to mount) and bingo.
Posting this thread actually took longer than the task itself.
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