Brake lights too small??

Hello everyone, I've been lurking here for awhile and last weekend I stopped by my local dealer and test drove a CRD Liberty. It has been a long time since I've had a 4X4 and needless to say, I was impressed.

When I got to work, I started telling the guys about my test drive, and 2 different people, on 2 different occasions said "are they the ones with the tiny brake lights?" I found this to be very odd. I never noticed the brake lights before so I had to take a look. Well, they are kind of small but it was very odd that 2 different (non-car guy type) people would comment on the brake lights.

Has anyone ever had a problem with the tail lights?

I really liked the Liberty and I'm going to test drive a 6 cyl. this week.

Thanks,
John

never really noticed it...most ppl complain about how weak the back up lights are. I've driven behind other KJ's and the lights are alright, they glow as bright as any other vehicle out there....and if i step onthe brakes, i can see it illumante behind me on my mirrors.....

no compalints here....

Did these people drive Nissans or Infinitis? Some of those cars have the most gaudy huge tail lights, it's like 30% of the back of the car is taillite.

Sure they weren't thinking of the TJ?

They are one of the smaller brake lights on the road. I have noticed that when driving behind another one up in the distance a bit. As long as they work I'm happy.

I never noticed that either. It's a small thing to criticize the KJ. Maybe it's because of the big round headlights?!

Believe me, should you get one you'll be very pleased. Dang I love mine. Such a nice ride, and a great 4x4. rockon.gif

They are quite small.... compared to other vehicles. Doesn't really matter to me...

Thanks for the replies. I was running around all day today and I was looking at alot of tail lights. There are many that are the same size as the Jeep's. It just struck me as odd about those 2 guys mentioning it.

I really liked the CRD, the only problem is (as you well know) there are not that many on dealer lots to chose from. I'll check out the 6 cyl on Monday, there are plenty of those around to look at.

John

re: small tail lights

Maybe what they were thinking of is the way the tail lights have the two small round sections in them. To tell the truth, I noticed it when I first went looking, but figured they would do the job they were supposed to do. As far as the backup lights go, mine seem to be about as bright as the ones on my old '98 Dakota. Just saw a guy yesterday at an AZ KJ get-together who had a backup light mounted in the middle of his spare tire; he also had a sweet hitch mount that held a pair of jerry cans on either side of his spare. I want one of those O

Re: re: small tail lights

Corwyyn said:

Just saw a guy yesterday at an AZ KJ get-together who had a backup light mounted in the middle of his spare tire; he also had a sweet hitch mount that held a pair of jerry cans on either side of his spare. I want one of those O

Click to expand...

sounds like you need to post a pic

The size of the light doesnt matter, remember the DOT mandates how bright the lights are on all US sold vehicles.

And when the center brake light comes on it's lit up like an x-mas tree

extra backup light

Here are some pictures of the extra backup light and the jerry-can holder from phxtoads' Liberty:
http://members.cox.net/kwbeverage/backup-lite.JPG
http://members.cox.net/kwbeverage/jerrycan1.JPG
http://members.cox.net/kwbeverage/jerrycan2.JPG
http://members.cox.net/kwbeverage/jerrycan3.JPG
The can holder mounts in the hitch receiver, and the arms swing down to open the gate. He looses a bit on the departure angle, but I think its still a pretty cool setup. He also has a nice short Yakima basket on top that would work for me since my carport has a low ceiling.

Thats pretty a cool setup.

Lamp Mod

Well I look at mine tail lights and came up with this ideal to improve the brake lights a little. If you look at the lamp housing, top is brake/running lamp, next is turn, then back-up and then reflector. The reflector is semi-transpareant so I will install a bulb there for a brake lamp.
Some pics, if this works

Back hole for lamp

Place for tapping into for power

Finished mod with wires and plumbers puddy

No lights

Stop lights, note bottom of lamps now light up, not bright, but better than nothing.

I have a hitch light that is a tail light and brake light. Helps give a little more light. O

Great idea n3qik

Re: extra backup light

He also has a nice short Yakima basket on top that would work for me since my carport has a low ceiling

I dropped a Yakima Load Warrior between the rails and attached it with C clamps. It peaks out at about 6"6"[/img]

I noticed of late driving on the highway that though the physical size of the lights are smaller than a lot of others on the road, they are brighter (normal use, not under breaking) than just about all others with larger physical sized lights.

I can see the tails in bad weather on other KJs longer than a few other vehicles I've seen too.