*This article was originally created by Jason Smith. All the photos are authorized by Jason. Many thanks to @Jason for sharing such great content with us!
Hey all, it's been a while since I got a 32" light bar from Lasfit and mounted it in the bumper of the ranger, I have really put the light bar to the test in creek crossings and mud holes and it hasn't skipped a beat. So when I was invited by Lasfit, I was quite happy and quickly decided to share some of my feedback and installation tips with you guys! Hope this helps some folks out!
Table of Contents
The Basic Info: my vehicle and the products I purchased
Initial Impressions: the Lasfit 32 inch led light bar
Installation Tips: 32" light bar mounted in the bumper of the 2021 Ford Ranger
Step 1: Determine my lighting strategy.
Step 2: Trim my existing plastic to fit the 32".
Step 3: Made a prototype 3D printed bracket to hold the light bar.
Step 4: Wire the bar with the Deutsch connectors.
Real-World Test: comparison & output shots
Final Thoughts: my next mods on my Ford Ranger
I'll be totally honest. Before I wrote this article, I had no idea who Lasfit was or what products they have on the market. I happened to stumble upon the pod lights first just by browsing the internet and then they guys released the light bars.
Vehicle MMY: 2021 Ford Ranger
Purchase Item: Lasfit 32" LED light bar
Installation: In the bumper of the ranger
Specification:
● Power(watts): 90W
● Output Voltage: 9-36V
● Measured Output: 8560LM
● Raw Output: 15700LM
● Color Temperature: 6000K
Initial Impressions of the Lasfit 32 inch led light bar.
Before buying, I wanted something that would fit in the lower grille of my truck and provide ample light while on the trail. After putting this on my truck it blew me away. I was very impressed with the spread, brightness, and color of the light bar. It makes off-roading at night so much more fun and enjoyable.
First, the finish is simply superb. I did not expect the powder coat to be perfect, but it truly was flawless. Also, ample hardware and mounting options were included in the kit. Having the t-track on the back of the light makes for so many more mounting options than just the brackets on the side. This mounting option allowed me to create custom brackets for the light bar on my ranger!
And then the use of a Deutsch connector is so much better than butt connectors or crimp-on connectors. When bouncing down the trail, the light remained constant and did not flicker due to the vibrations on the trail.
Installation tips of mounting a 32" light bar in the bumper of the 2021 Ford Ranger.
Step 1: Determine my lighting strategy.
As I wanted to go for a 32" for the extra light and I figured the bar would look better filling up the bumper instead of going with a 20" and keeping the plastic surround. I think it looks the best and has the most impact on illuminating the trail in front of the truck. I had difficulty seeing the trail in front of me when previously wheeling in the dark.
Step 2: Trim my existing plastic to fit the 32".
Therefore, I had to trim some of the plastic trim in the lower grille in order to fit the 32" light bar over the 22". This was a compromise I was willing to make in order to get more output.
Step 3: Made a prototype 3D printed bracket to hold the light bar.
For this, I also made custom 3d printed brackets to hold the light bar from existing mounting locations on the truck. The prototype 3-D printed bracket made installing the light bar possible. It mounts to an existing stud and nut on the truck and uses the t-track mounts on the light bar. I am making a final version out of aluminum next week.
Step 4: Wire the bar with the Deutsch connectors.
Finally, I wired the bar using the Deutsch connectors to a switch panel I previously had installed. And the fuse box in the engine bay makes installing lights extremely simple.
Warm Tips:
I would say that doing a light bar in the bumper is a great way to increase light output on the new Rangers. If someone wants to not cut anything, the best option would be to go with the 22" bar. For maximum output you could go with a 32" bar, with some small modifications.
Real-World Test
I have really put the light bar to the test in creek crossings and mud holes and it hasn't skipped a beat. I can't wait to show you guys how amazing it is on the Trail!The overall brightness of the bar was truly incredible. Even in the daylight, it makes a difference and it just looks so good as well. It lived up to the expectation and really did blow me away. Even my girlfriend who is not into off-roading noticed a huge difference.
Here are some lighting photos outside of the truck.
Here is the picture inside the truck with the light bar on.
I will totally be recommending Lasfit to my friends and members on my Facebook groups. They are an incredibly good bang for the buck. They have the fit and finish of more expensive brands with amazing light output.
Final Thoughts: My next mods on my Ford Ranger.
I am truly impressed with the Lasfit lightbar and it has pushed me to get a Bilstein Coilover kit and 33s for the truck. I'm also looking forward to going around the east coast and exploring some trail systems this summer and I would love to get 3 more sets of pods from Lasfit along for the journey!1 to replace the fog lights in amber, 1 set of spotlights to have as ditch lights, and 1 set of floodlights to mount next to the fog lights on a custom bracket.
Maybe I will share more feedback on the Lasfit 3" pod lights in the future.Just wait and see!
Questions or Comments? Leave them below!
