DIY: OEM LED Taillight Install with RetroShop Harness

[res1551cue]

So I was lucky enough to snag one of the last sets of harnesses from RetroShop and I promised JJ I would do a write up for those interested in installing a set when he gets the new adapters in.

What you will need:
- T25 Star Bit to remove tail light screws
- 4x Self Tapping sheetmetal screws

Adapter Diagram:



Step One:

Remove the two screws from inside the bed of the truck using the T25 star bit. NOTE: If you have a tailgate assist you will need to remove that first before you will be able to get to the bottom screw.



Step Two:

Attach the new tail light adapters to the OEM pigtail. Connect the new tail brake light plug to the OEM tail light plug making sure the red wire on the adapter plug connects with the OEM tail light plug. Because the new adapter makes the OEM pigtail longer I took all the wires and stuffed them behind wall as seen in the photo.



Step Three:

Find a location where you want to attach the resistor. Because this resister is a little bigger and says that it will get hot when powered on I decided to place it on the fender part of the truck and keep it away from all wires and the tail lights. You will need to put two holes here. One to attach the resistor to the truck and one for the ground wire on the resistor.





Attach the plug on the resistor to the final plug on the adapter and then stuff the wires behind the wall where the tail light attaches.



Then run the LED tail light plug on adapter through the bottom hole of the frame and attach to the tail light.

Step Four:

Attach the new tail lights to the truck and put the screws back in place to secure it.



Here are some pictures and a video.

Running Lights:



Brakes:



Hazards (Video):

https://flic.kr/p/oZNpLR


NOTE: These tail lights use a different type of reverse light bulb so if you used LED back up lights in your previous tails they will not fit in the new tails. Here is the picture of the new tails reverse bulb. I believe it is a 7440.

 

[Rherman1]

Nice write up!

 

[res1551cue]

Thanks. They are bright as hell. I couldnt take a comparison photo because the pictures didnt show the best output but believe me they are well worth the swap.

 

[Booms]

Nice!

 

[0212353]

Thanks for the write up and pics! Good chattin' with you the other day too bud!

 

[shaftman_05]

Anyone had parking light out messages from these and the headlights? I just started getting a message yesterday....

 

[0212353]

only if the resistors aren't grounded, plugged in, or just not working?

 

[shaftman_05]

only if the resistors aren't grounded, plugged in, or just not working?

I just realised most have issues with 13+ parking lights without resistors. Weird mine took over a month to "develop" the issue.... should have just ordered the harnesses from you. Made my own and has been more trouble than its worth.

Thought I could wire in resistors differnetly then the heat style. I wasmt comfortable with a screw hole in my new 14 with a state that loves salt!

Time to bite the bullet

 

[res1551cue]

Thanks for the write up and pics! Good chattin' with you the other day too bud!

No problem. Glad I got a chance to do it. Wife is impressed too. It was nice talking with you and seeing your new shop. Keep up the great work.

 

[res1551cue]

Also, If you are looking to replace the 7440 the bulb is the same as the 3157

 

[VTBighorn]

so a 3157 is the same as a 7440/7443?

 

[res1551cue]

Not exactly the same but it is an alternative as they are easier to find than the 7440.

 

[VTBighorn]

Not exactly the same but it is an alternative as they are easier to find than the 7440.

but they fit the same at the base is what I meant.

 

[res1551cue]

Yes

 

[VTBighorn]

I'm trying to find a light with better output that will light up the back up cam better, I had bought some 921's for the stock tails but the Sport LED tails I retrofired thanks to JJ @ retroshop don't use the same bulbs which sucks

I think if I can get the 921's to fit into the cargo light area I'll swap them into that spot and then look at buying some for the reverse lights.

 

[res1551cue]

The 921 is a replacement for the 194 and should fit in the license plate lights and the Cargo lamp area.

As far as the reverse LEDs make sure you get the rear firing (light projects towards the reflectors) as this will help illuminate when backing up.

 

[VTBighorn]

I decided to throw the LED 921's into the new cargo light, HUGE IMPROVEMENT over stock. Now I just need to get some 7440 replacements to put in the reverse light slots and i'll be good to go, don't really care to upgrade the license plate lights (makes it easier for people to make out your plate) hahahahaha




even with the flash on

 

[VTBighorn]

The 921 is a replacement for the 194 and should fit in the license plate lights and the Cargo lamp area.

As far as the reverse LEDs make sure you get the rear firing (light projects towards the reflectors) as this will help illuminate when backing up.

What is your take on the 360 degree LEDs? Better or worse for light output for the reverse lights?
The cargo lights I added tonight are 360 and it throws a ton of light.

 

[res1551cue]

What is your take on the 360 degree LEDs? Better or worse for light output for the reverse lights?
The cargo lights I added tonight are 360 and it throws a ton of light.

The 360 is fine for the cargo light as it is surrounded by reflectors which will produce more light where as the reflectors in the reverse light are only towards the back. well at least that is how it was for my 2012 lights. I purchased the 360 for my previous tails and the output sucked. But was better when I purchased the rear firing leds. With these tails I am not sure what difference it would make.

 

[VTBighorn]

Hope to order new reverse bulbs soon these suck especially when the camera is a bit fogged or snowflakes get on it.