Taillight wiring

[K5Rob]

My taillight wiring is all hacked up. I am going to run it from about midway frame back. At that point it looks like trailer wiring (4 wire) does it just stay that way back and then split somewhere under the tailgate? I just want to replicate the factory wiring as close as possible, doesnt need to be exact. Im not worried about reverse lights either at the moment. Can someone kind of describe what its supposed to look like?

 

[83Stepper]

Yeah pretty much the same all the way to the rear mounting point. It'll come together to a pigtail that splits left and right sides. You'll have the backup wiring split into 2 leads (left and right), taillights/running lights/plate lamp (left and right sides), left and right turn signal/brake and ground.

 

[75gmck25]

On a pickup there is a round wire junction/ plug up under the tailgate area, and that is where you can plug in an adapter for trailer lights. I think that is the left/right side connector for tail lights. The other key item is a fairly robust ground wire screwed to the frame, usually white color.

 

[mxer147]

My 83, has wires first going to left tail light then going to the right tail light, in the middle PO spliced for trailer wiring; did terrible work which I am redoing with butt connectors, sealed. I think color wires follow standard diagrams.

 

[75gmck25]

I am always surprised when someone does a half-assed trailer wiring mod, when you can buy a plug in connector that takes five minute (or less) to install.

One example https://www.towuniverse.com/75-78-g...RT&utm_term=2335637575871237&utm_content=CURT
It seems like they used to be cheaper, but YMMV.

 

[mxer147]

Agree, it’s a head scratcher. I will be properly installing this soon, hopefully it’s a good product.

 

[AuroraGirl]

Agree, it’s a head scratcher. I will be properly installing this soon, hopefully it’s a good product.

youll need the female end of that connector, which is standardizd and adviseable because it allows you to use any universal hook up if you ever break it somehow

you can hack one off a factory gmt800 or newer chevy, or jellybean (i think) and newer ford

 

[mxer147]

Jellybean?

 

[AuroraGirl]

Jellybean?

1997-2003(2004 in one trim iirc) f150

F250 light duty 1997-199x or whatever as well
Super duties since 97 may do the same

 

[mxer147]

You’re awesome, thank you very much for the solid advice and information; greatly appreciated.