Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 11-06-2009, 06:45 AM
RangerNDog RangerNDog is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 535
Default How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

I nor FordRangerForum.com is responsible for anything that should happen when or after you do this. If you decided to do this it is as your own risk.

A STEP-BY-STEP WAY TO DO THIS:

If you don't like the look of the taillights in the 1993 to 1999 Rangers, the ones with the seperate turn signal bulb, then I have the solution. This will convert your taillights to 2000 or newer taillights, the ones with the turn signal integrated into the taillight/brake bulb. This takes care of 2 things if you don't have a trailer plug. TO INSURE PROPER FUNCTION, FOLLOW EVERY STEP!!

1. First thing you need to do is to go get yourself a trailer wiring harness kit (the kit with the "T" connector that converts the 5 wire setup to a 4 wire for the trailer lights). I got a Hoppy brand from AutoZone for $30.00. I am sure that you could get them off eBay for cheaper. *IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE SKIP THIS STEP!!! YOU ALREADY HAVE WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS STEP!!!*

2. Acquire 2000 or newer set of taillights for your truck.

3. Remove the taillights from your truck. Make sure that the light sockets plug into the new taillights.

4. *I believe that the 2000 to 2004 taillights have the same back basket as the 1993 to 1999 taillights IF SO SKIP THIS STEP AND CONTINUE TO STEP 5* The only light socket that you MIGHT have a problem fitting correctly is the reverse light socket. If so, cut the wires to it and the turn signal socket and switch them. Put the turn signal socket on the reverse wires and the reverse socket on the turn signal wires. DO THIS FOR BOTH SIDES!! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD CONNECTIONS AND TAPE THE CONNECTIONS TO PREVENT WATER SHORTING OUT YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM!!

5. Tape over the turn signal bulb (WHICH SHOULD STILL BE IN THE LIGHT SOCKET!!) so it cannot be seen blinking. Wire tie it in the bed side so it will not fall out while driving. YOU HAVE TO LEAVE THE OLD TURN SIGNAL SOCKET AND BULB INSTALLED, IF NOT THE TURN SIGNALS WILL FAST BLINK!! OR USE AN EP27 FLASHER INSTEAD OF THE STOCK FLASHER AND REMOVE THE EXTRA BULB!!

6. Cut the GREEN wire, far enough behind the bulb socket so you can attach it to another wire, hooked to the tail/brake light bulb socket. Tape the end up that goes into the wiring harness because you wont need it anymore. DO THIS FOR BOTH SIDES!!!

7. Unplug the wire connector behind the rear bumper that goes to the taillights and install the "T" trailer harness. After the "T" connector there is 5 wires going to another little black box. That box converts the system to a 4 wire system for the trailer lights. LEAVE IT ATTACHED!!

8. Tap into a turn signal wire, LEFT or RIGHT, in the trailer plug (AFTER THE LITTLE BLACK BOX THAT CONVERTS IT TO A 4 WIRE SYSTEM!!!) wires and run it to the respective taillight (LEFT TURN SIGNAL WIRE TO THE LEFT TAILLIGHT). Hook this wire into the green wire that comes out of the tail/brake light socket.

9. REPEAT THE LAST STEP FOR THE OTHER LIGHT THAT YOU HAVEN'T DONE!!

10. WIRE TIE ALL LOSE WIRES UP AND OUT OF THE WAY AS YOU ARE DONE WITH THE WIRES!! PUT THE TRAILER PLUG WERE YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO BE FOR EASY ACCESS WHEN YOU DECIDE TO HAUL A TRAILER!!

11. Install the bulb sockets into there correct spot in the new taillights.

12. Install the new taillights.

13. Check all connections and make sure they are connected properly.

14. Test to make sure they work properly.

Last edited by STL; 11-06-2009 at 06:57 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-06-2009, 06:58 AM
STL STL is offline
...............

 
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 23,399
Default

Done
__________________
2005 Edge

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-19-2011, 03:27 PM
relapssranger relapssranger is offline
SLOW AND LOW IS HOW I GO.
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,040
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RangerNDog View Post
6. Cut the GREEN wire, far enough behind the bulb socket so you can attach it to another wire, hooked to the tail/brake light bulb socket. Tape the end up that goes into the wiring harness because you wont need it anymore. DO THIS FOR BOTH SIDES!!!

7. Unplug the wire connector behind the rear bumper that goes to the taillights and install the "T" trailer harness. After the "T" connector there is 5 wires going to another little black box. That box converts the system to a 4 wire system for the trailer lights. LEAVE IT ATTACHED!!

8. Tap into a turn signal wire, LEFT or RIGHT, in the trailer plug (AFTER THE LITTLE BLACK BOX THAT CONVERTS IT TO A 4 WIRE SYSTEM!!!) wires and run it to the respective taillight (LEFT TURN SIGNAL WIRE TO THE LEFT TAILLIGHT). Hook this wire into the green wire that comes out of the tail/brake light socket.

I cant picture this in my head is there any pictures available for this part of the write up??
__________________
93 FORD RANGER XLT 4.0L OHV 2WD 3.73 GEARS 7.5" LIMITED SLIP AXLE
FLOWMASTER 40 SERIES,10000K HID KIT,ANTENNA DELETE MOD,EXPLORER DOME MOD, 98 SIDE MIRROR ,06+ TAIL GATE,06+ TAIL LIGHTS,01 BUMPER MOD,4/4 DJM STATIC DROP

Last edited by relapssranger; 07-19-2011 at 03:30 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-22-2011, 12:16 PM
CLOS99 CLOS99 is offline
Ford RANGER est. 99
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 826
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by relapsranger View Post
I cant picture this in my head is there any pictures available for this part of the write up??
i ask myself the same question. its why i havent done it
__________________
1999 Ford Ranger 3.0 XLT/Flex
H.I.D 5000k
6"Foglights 5000k
Spetrec air filter
3"lift
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-10-2011, 11:57 PM
relapssranger relapssranger is offline
SLOW AND LOW IS HOW I GO.
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,040
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

Oh my i had this on my truck this whole time wow :d
__________________
93 FORD RANGER XLT 4.0L OHV 2WD 3.73 GEARS 7.5" LIMITED SLIP AXLE
FLOWMASTER 40 SERIES,10000K HID KIT,ANTENNA DELETE MOD,EXPLORER DOME MOD, 98 SIDE MIRROR ,06+ TAIL GATE,06+ TAIL LIGHTS,01 BUMPER MOD,4/4 DJM STATIC DROP
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-11-2011, 11:20 AM
relapssranger relapssranger is offline
SLOW AND LOW IS HOW I GO.
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,040
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

so after the little black box what is the 4 wire color code?
__________________
93 FORD RANGER XLT 4.0L OHV 2WD 3.73 GEARS 7.5" LIMITED SLIP AXLE
FLOWMASTER 40 SERIES,10000K HID KIT,ANTENNA DELETE MOD,EXPLORER DOME MOD, 98 SIDE MIRROR ,06+ TAIL GATE,06+ TAIL LIGHTS,01 BUMPER MOD,4/4 DJM STATIC DROP
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-23-2011, 03:33 PM
Virtualbong Virtualbong is offline
1999 Ford Ranger Stepside
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 146
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by relapsranger View Post
I cant picture this in my head is there any pictures available for this part of the write up??
Still no guide with pics included. I may attempt this but I love have pictures to make the install go faster.
__________________
1999 Ford Ranger Step-side 2WD
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11-03-2011, 07:47 AM
Virtualbong Virtualbong is offline
1999 Ford Ranger Stepside
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 146
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

Just found this link:

http://www.therangerstation.com/Maga...ht_upgrade.htm
__________________
1999 Ford Ranger Step-side 2WD
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11-03-2011, 09:51 AM
Virtualbong Virtualbong is offline
1999 Ford Ranger Stepside
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 146
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

For some reason I cannot find a 5 to 4 adapter...can a 4 to 5 adapter work? Sorry if this is an ignorant question. The only thing I did find was this:

http://www.etrailer.com/wiring-adapt...Flat&tw=4-Flat

I am close to drilling out a hole in the 2001 tail lights and just using the 3 bulbs.
__________________
1999 Ford Ranger Step-side 2WD
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-04-2011, 04:39 AM
Virtualbong Virtualbong is offline
1999 Ford Ranger Stepside
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 146
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

Am I correct in thinking that I need to purchase a dual filament bulb for the brake/turn signal bulb?
__________________
1999 Ford Ranger Step-side 2WD
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11-04-2011, 07:12 AM
Virtualbong Virtualbong is offline
1999 Ford Ranger Stepside
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 146
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

Also is this the 5 to 4 adapter I would need?

http://www.wiringproducts.com/contents/en-us/p559.html

Man...wish there was a detailed picture guide for this install.
__________________
1999 Ford Ranger Step-side 2WD
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11-04-2011, 08:57 PM
tykluss18 tykluss18 is offline
55 MPH is Unsafe
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 364
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

Did this, works fantastically! thanks for the write up man, much appreciated
__________________
R.I.P. Shelby 1996, 2WD XLT 3.0L V6
2000 2WD, XLT Extended Cab, 3.0L V6, 5 Speed, 157,000 MILES, Oxford White, black bumpers, Silverstar ultras, 3.73 open diff, 2006+ Tail swap, 235/75 15 on Cragar soft 8 wheels, Hella 500s. Flowmaster 40 muffler, sportrac gauge cluster swap, Cobra 40ch CB with Wilson 4ft. fiberglass antenna, K&N Drop in Filter, 2007 Stock Radio, all red 3rd brake light w/ 3 bulbs, Cobra Radar/Lidar, Waze App for GPS
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11-04-2011, 09:15 PM
Virtualbong Virtualbong is offline
1999 Ford Ranger Stepside
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 146
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by tykluss18 View Post
Did this, works fantastically! thanks for the write up man, much appreciated
Damn, did you by chance take pics of what you did? I have always been a visual type of guy.
__________________
1999 Ford Ranger Step-side 2WD
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11-17-2011, 09:46 PM
TheStig TheStig is offline
My truck snorts.
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 820
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

finally did this to mine....

tools and stuff.... (yes my bed is nasty, had a used oil jug leak all over and i'm still cleaning it up)



the converter i used (employee discount at Oreillys = $7)



sorting out the wires...



cutting the green wire for the brake light and adding the green/orange wire for signals (its orange/blue on the other side)

my bulbs are blue because i have the silverstar tail light bulbs



wires you gotta splice into under the truck just after the plug (ignore the green wire going to the tail lights.....connect the side coming out of the truck plug to the red wire on the converter and thats it)



as you can see i got rid of the turn signal lights.....i got the ep27 flasher installed
__________________
1996 XLT 2.3T "White Lightning" 5/7 dropped, Turbo street toy
2006 FX4 Off Road, DD, work in progress
1985 XLT 2.8L 4x4 "The Black Pearl" (retired but still around)
1987 XL 2.3L 2wd R.I.P.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RangerAllie View Post
I love me some Stig

Last edited by TheStig; 11-17-2011 at 09:49 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 11-17-2011, 11:14 PM
tykluss18 tykluss18 is offline
55 MPH is Unsafe
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 364
Default Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.

mine was unfairly easy, I already had the female plug for the harness installed on my ranger. i plugged it in, splices 2 wires and was good to go
__________________
R.I.P. Shelby 1996, 2WD XLT 3.0L V6
2000 2WD, XLT Extended Cab, 3.0L V6, 5 Speed, 157,000 MILES, Oxford White, black bumpers, Silverstar ultras, 3.73 open diff, 2006+ Tail swap, 235/75 15 on Cragar soft 8 wheels, Hella 500s. Flowmaster 40 muffler, sportrac gauge cluster swap, Cobra 40ch CB with Wilson 4ft. fiberglass antenna, K&N Drop in Filter, 2007 Stock Radio, all red 3rd brake light w/ 3 bulbs, Cobra Radar/Lidar, Waze App for GPS
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Instrument Cluster Bulb Replacement SMOKEY MNT. ROB Electrical Tech 116 05-29-2018 04:14 PM
Discuss How To: Instrument cluster bulb replacement STL How-To Submissions 155 12-20-2014 01:57 PM
Instrument Cluster Bulb replacement ryangtp89 Interior Tech 41 02-03-2010 12:36 PM
How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up. RangerNDog Exterior Guides 0 11-06-2009 06:45 AM
How To:Instrument Cluster Bulb Replacement STL Interior Guides 0 05-02-2009 07:20 PM