Technical > Installation Guide
Super Duty Install - On The Lighter Side
Easy Installs: Bumpers, Auxiliary Lamps, and Retracting Power Side Steps
story & photos by Steve Temple
We’re now on easy street with our Ford F-250 project. If you’ve been following along, we’ve already done the heavy lifting, adding a Banks Big Hoss Bundle to bump up the turbo diesel’s output to prodigious levels. Speaking of higher levels, we also installed Explorer Pro Comp’s 8.5-inch lift kit as well, with some big 40” Pro Comp Xterrain tires in the wheelwells.
After adding all this strong-arm stuff, it’s time for a few creature comforts, some lightweight projects that even a beginner could tackle. We’re talking about Daystar World Challenge Bumpers, Explorer Pro Comp auxiliary lights, and AMP retracting side steps.
The front and rear bumpers were basically a simple bolt-on deal. For the front, we temporarily removed the stock grille to simplify wiring the Pro Comp lights. The latter part is a somewhat tedious job, and requires following the diagram closely and careful routing and splicing of the wires. Other than that, it’s fairly straightforward.
The Pro Comp 130 lights feature an eight-inch glass lens with a highly polished reflector for illuminating trails on an inky night. With a 130-watt (hence the name) quartz halogen H-3 bulb, these beams cut through the night like lasers. The fluted lense is designed to deliver long-range brightness, combined with a wider distribution for close-in illumination. A durable hard cover is included, which not only protects the lenses but also keeps them street legal.
As for the side steps from AMP Research, when the doors are shut these full-length running boards automatically retract, so you don’t have to worry about snagging them on brush or rocks. When you open any door on your vehicle, they automatically extend down and outward in less than 1.3 seconds.
So in addition to staying out of the way during off-road adventures, the AMP Power Step quickly provides a step-assist low enough for women and even children to easily climb in and out of the tallest trucks. That way your 4x4 is accessible to the entire family, so nobody can complain about the height of your suspension!
Pro Comp 130 Lights Install
Buy Pro Comp 130 Lights from www.4wheelparts.com.
1. We first removed the stock grille to simplify installation of the wiring for the Explorer Pro Comp racing lights. |
2. Use just four bolts and the Daystar World Challenge front bumper is attached. |
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3. The lights bolt on to brackets provided on the bumper. |
4. The center two lights are spliced together so they can be operated by one switch. The outer two are controlled by a second, separate switch. |
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5. The relay module should be mounted in a dry, secure location with sheetmetal screws (provided). Be sure to use the correct type of wiring connector, which are included with the Explorer Switch Kit (part No. 9300/9400). |
6. You’ll need to run a wire from the center power terminal to the fuse box. |
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7. Mounting the switch panel in the cockpit may require a bit of custom |
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Here’s how the finished installation should look. No more gloomy nights!
AMP Power Steps Install
Ask about buying AMP Power Steps from www.4wheelparts.com.
1. Power Step retracted — no worries about your side steps getting hung up on an off-road adventure. |
2. The Power Step deploys in just a second or so. |
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3. To install the Power Step, the armature supporting the running board simply bolts into existing holes in the sheetmetal. No drilling required. |
4. Use an Allen wrench to tighten the mounting bolts from the outside of the body. Note the position of the electric motor. |
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5. To level the running board, simply adjust the Allen-head screws located underneath, which allow you to slide it fore and aft. |
6. Plug the wiring harness into the armature motor. Note that this unit should be handled with care to prevent damage. |
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7. Route the wiring harness through fenderwells and along the firewall. Then plug the harness into the control module, mounted on the passenger side of the engine bay (or wherever there’s room enough for the unit). |
8. Feed the purple wire into the cockpit through a drain hole in the floorboard. Then splice the purple wire into the wiring for the automatic door lock release, located in the rocker panel. This connection enables the running board to deploy automatically. |
Rear Bumper Install
Buy Daystar Rear Bumpers from www.4wheelparts.com.
1. Daystar’s rear tubular bumper includes mounting hardware and stainless steel plates. The tools you’ll need include a socket and wrench set, a drill with bits, a center punch, Allen wrenches, and a Phillips screwdriver. |
2. After disconnecting license plate light and wiring for back-up sensors and trailer lights, unbolt the stock bumper and set aside. Save the factory bolts for re-use in attaching the new bumper. |
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3. Center upper and lower skid plates on the Daystar bumper, and mark hole locations on the backside. Drill retaining holes into the plates using a 3/8-inch drill bit. |
4. Get some help to position the new bumper, and fasten the four factory bolts loosely. After making sure the bumper is mounted straight (you may need to apply some gentle persuasion, as shown here), tighten the bolts. |
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5. Install both skid plates onto the new bumper using 5/16-inch Allen bolts and nuts provided with the kit. After bolting on the stainless steel plate, |