The Stealth Bumper Lightbar Kit for the 2024–2026 Toyota Tacoma adds powerful, low-profile forward-facing illumination while maintaining a clean factory appearance. This is a comprehensive install that involves full bumper removal — plan accordingly. Here's the full walkthrough.
Table of Contents
- Tools Required
- Installation Instructions
- Questions About the Install?
- Shop Tacoma Lighting at Ess K Customs
Tools Required
- Trim removal tool
- Pick tool
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- 10mm socket
- 12mm socket
- 14mm socket
- 17mm socket
- 10" socket extension
- Bubble level
Installation Instructions
Step 1 — Locate the hood latch and pull to release the hood. Slide your hand from right to left to release the safety lock and open the hood.
Step 2 — Remove the six button-style clips along the upper bumper by pressing down the center pin with a trim tool, then prying the clip out.
Step 3 — Lift the engine air intake duct upward and remove it from the vehicle.
Step 4 — Using a 10mm socket, remove the three bolts securing the top of the bumper.
Step 5 — Disconnect the two multi-pin electrical connectors located near the passenger-side headlamp.
Step 6 — If your Tacoma is equipped with a factory front air dam, remove it at this time.
Step 7 — Using a 10mm socket, remove the five screws securing the driver-side wheel liner. Repeat on the passenger side.
Step 8 — Rotate the twist clips 90 degrees using a flathead screwdriver, then remove the center pin and pry the clip assembly out. Repeat on the other side.
Step 9 — Carefully pull back the fender liner and release the fender flare by squeezing the three retaining clips while pulling outward. Repeat on the opposite side.
Step 10 — Remove the single Phillips screw located behind each fender flare.
Step 11 — Flex the fender flare outward and gently pull the bumper panel outward to release it from the support structure. Repeat on the other side.
Step 12 — Using a 10mm socket and extension, remove the four bolts located behind the lower grille.
Step 13 — Remove the four bolts underneath the front bumper using a 10mm socket.
Step 14 — Pull the bumper assembly forward and away from the vehicle. Place it on a padded surface to prevent damage.
Step 15 — With the bumper face down, release the mid support by pressing up on the three clips and pulling it free.
Step 16 — Using the previously removed hardware, reinstall the mid support back onto the vehicle.
Step 17 — Remove the lower active shutter panels using a pick tool. These components will not be reused.
Step 18 — Using a 14mm and 17mm socket, remove the four bolts securing the subframe area.
Step 19 — Install the driver-side and passenger-side mounting brackets using the factory bolts. Hand-tighten only at this stage.
Step 20 — Slide the center bracket into position between the radiator support and latch support. Level it and tighten securely.
Step 21 — Attach the lightbars to the brackets using the included hardware, making sure the connectors are oriented toward the driver side.
Step 22 — Torque the larger mounting bolt to 32 ft-lbs and the smaller bolt to 65 ft-lbs. Verify the lightbars are level.
Step 23 — Route the wiring harness along the radiator support and secure it using zip tie points on the brackets.
Step 24 — Connect the power and ground leads directly to the battery using a 12mm socket.
Step 25 — Route the switch wiring through the factory grommet on the driver-side firewall. Optional auxiliary switch integration may be used if equipped.
Step 26 — Connect the harness outputs to each lightbar and secure all wiring.
Step 27 — Reinstall the bumper assembly, making sure the lightbars are centered within the grille openings.
Step 28 — Reinstall all previously removed hardware by reversing the disassembly steps. The install is complete.
Questions About the Install?
If you run into any issues during the installation, contact Ess K Customs — as an authorized Diode Dynamics dealer, we're here to help.
Shop Tacoma Lighting at Ess K Customs
Looking for lighting upgrades for your 2024+ Tacoma? As an authorized Diode Dynamics dealer, Ess K Customs carries genuine products with full manufacturer warranty.
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This install guide applies to Diode Dynamics SKUs: DD7949P, DD7950, DD7951, DD7952, DD7953, DD7954, DD7955, DD7956, DD7957, DD8836, DD8837, DD8838, DD8839