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-   -   Discuss How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up. (http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-to-submissions/4072-convert-3-bulb-tails-2-bulb-set.html)

RangerNDog 11-06-2009 06:45 AM

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.

STL 11-06-2009 06:58 AM

Done

relapssranger 07-19-2011 03:27 PM

Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by RangerNDog (Post 29766)
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??

CLOS99 07-22-2011 12:16 PM

Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by relapsranger (Post 490144)
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

relapssranger 08-10-2011 11:57 PM

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

relapssranger 08-11-2011 11:20 AM

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?

Virtualbong 10-23-2011 03:33 PM

Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by relapsranger (Post 490144)
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.

Virtualbong 11-03-2011 07:47 AM

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

Virtualbong 11-03-2011 09:51 AM

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.

Virtualbong 11-04-2011 04:39 AM

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?

Virtualbong 11-04-2011 07:12 AM

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.

tykluss18 11-04-2011 08:57 PM

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

Virtualbong 11-04-2011 09:15 PM

Re: How to convert 3-Bulb tails to a 2-Bulb set up.
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by tykluss18 (Post 613408)
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.

TheStig 11-17-2011 09:46 PM

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)
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/p.../mods/tlm1.jpg


the converter i used (employee discount at Oreillys = $7)
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/p.../mods/tlm2.jpg


sorting out the wires...
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/p.../mods/tlm3.jpg


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
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/p.../mods/tlm4.jpg


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)
http://i414.photobucket.com/albums/p.../mods/tlm5.jpg


as you can see i got rid of the turn signal lights.....i got the ep27 flasher installed

tykluss18 11-17-2011 11:14 PM

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 :p


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