Welcome back to another Taco Tuesday! If you missed last week’s TT, we looked at must-have recovery setups.
This week, we are looking at several Tacomas with the super popular raptor light mod. This mod is an extremely popular trend not only in the Tacoma community but in every truck community; even Jeeps!
Where Did The Idea Originate?
The reason the Tacoma community calls these raptor lights and not taco lights is because of the Ford Raptor. When Ford came out with this beast of a truck in 2010, it took the off-road community for a whirlwind. Everyone wanted one or for their truck to be like one.
The Raptor is extra-wide (over 80″) from the factory due to its fiberglass Baja-inspired front and rear fenders. So, Ford had to equip the truck with marker lights in the grille along with other areas of the truck to adhere to DOT standards. Hence, why everyone refers to them as Raptor Lights. This is hilarious because dually trucks and big rigs have had them forever; but the Raptor is more a part of our community, the off-road community.
Raptor Lights On A Tacoma?
Now, that we know where these lights originated, why add them to the Tacoma? Honestly, I have no idea. A lot of our features said they loved the way they looked. Others say it helps allow the vehicle to stand out in traffic, which I 100% agree with.
Enjoy guys!
Top Featured Brand
- Runnin 4 Tacos LED Raptor Lights For 3rd Gen Tacoma
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- 7 piece: Check Price
Table Of Contents
1. Lachlan Gibbings: Jumbo Truck Parts
Light Details
- Price: $45/set
- Color: Amber
Why Did You Add Raptor Lights To Your Tacoma?
I like the look of them, there’s really no other reason as to why I installed them on my truck. I saw a lot of trucks on Instagram with the TRD Pro grille and then added the raptor lights for more of an aggressive look.
My Tacoma is no Ford Raptor, but it finishes off the rest of my truck nicely as there really isn’t a lot on the front end yet. I chose the amber color as it isn’t too bright at night. I wanted them to look clean and not too noticeable at first glance. Also, I only chose to run three lights closer together instead of the typical four. This keeps everything nice and square on the front end in my opinion.
2. John Buchan: Tacoma Lifestyle
Light Details
- Price: $60/set
- Color: Amber
Why Did You Add Raptor Lights To Your Tacoma?
I added raptor lights mainly because I liked the look and how it accented the TRD Pro grille. It also changed the overall look of the front. Additionally, it is an inexpensive mod and extremely easy, and also fun to install.
3. Mark Kollar: Runnin 4 Tacos
Light Details
- Price: $65/set
- Color: Smoked Amber
Why Did You Add Raptor Lights To Your Tacoma?
I added these lights mainly for the looks and visibility. Another perk is that I think they look sick on the Tacoma, especially when paired with the amber DRL Morimoto XB headlights. The accents of both combined really make the front end pop.
4. Seth Nagle: Runnin 4 Tacos
Light Details
- Price: $65/set
- Color: Smoked Amber
Why Did You Add Raptor Lights To Your Tacoma?
I actually had a Ford Raptor before the Tacoma and always loved the look of the grille lights, especially the amber lighting as opposed to the all-white you see on most of the newer model vehicles today.
I totally understand that they serve no real purpose as (most) Tacomas aren’t wide enough to necessitate the need for clearance lights, I just really like the way they look.
To be honest, I actually lucked out when I purchased the truck as it already had the R4T raptor lights. That allowed me to take the money I would have spent on them anyway and put it towards other parts.
Whether you’re for or against them, raptor lights are just one more option to change things up a bit. That’s what’s great about these trucks; not only are they very capable, but also highly customizable. What I love the most is that no two are the same.
I really enjoy seeing all the different builds out there to draw inspiration from. My project still has a long way to go but I’m enjoying the journey and the people I meet along the way. Stay safe.
5. Tony Fernandez: Tacoma Lifestyle
Light Details
- Price: $60/set
- Color: Amber
Why Did You Add Raptor Lights To Your Tacoma?
I just like the looks of the lights. These lights help distinguish a regular Tacoma from Tacomas that probably do some kind of wheeling. Yes, they’re super popular, but if something looks good, people are going to want it! I pay more attention to what kind of truck is coming down the road when I see raptor lights.
6. Saul Gonzalez: Tacoma Lifestyle
Light Details
- Price: $60/set
- Color: Amber
Why Did You Add Raptor Lights To Your Tacoma?
These raptor lights were super easy to install. The guys provide a step-by-step installation video to make the process a breeze. All I did was place the fitted lights in the grille and run the cable to the fuse box and battery. Everything was pre-setup including spliced wires and battery eyelets, I then zip-tied all the cables to clean it up. As I said, a super easy install.
7. Bryan Estepa: Runnin 4 Tacos
Light Details
- Price: $65/set
- Color: Amber
Why Did You Add Raptor Lights To Your Tacoma?
I personally love the look of the raptor lights on the F150s. When I found out they could be added to the Taco, I had to get it. It adds that extra flare and makes the truck a little more aggressive. I feel it lets the truck stand out during the day and especially so the night.
Additionally, the fact that they’re quite affordable and super easy to install (15-20mins) makes them one of my favorite upgrades for sure. R4T uses high-quality materials and has easy plug-and-play instructions. Plus, who doesn’t like more amber lights?
8. Randy Apigo: Tacoma Lifestyle
Light Details
- Price: $60/set
- Color: Amber
Why Did You Add Raptor Lights To Your Tacoma?
The infamous raptor lights, I’ve heard so many Toyota owners that dislike these. I get it, it’s a Raptor thing, but let’s be honest, this is a neat little upgrade.
Raptor lights were probably one of the first things I purchased when I got my Tacoma in early 2021. It’s cheap, easy to install, and gives the front end a nice subtle update. It’s been over 2 years since I put these lights on, and I’ve loved this look ever since.
9. David Zamora: Tacoma Beast
Light Details
- Price: $50/set
- Color: Amber
Why Did You Add Raptor Lights To Your Tacoma?
I added the raptor lights to my truck when I first got it in 2020. This was one of my first mods and it was super quick and simple to do! I personally love how the lights look aesthetically; they give the truck a mean, aggressive, sleek look!
You typically have the option of three or four lights with either white or amber LEDs. You can also wire them to turn on with your DRL or just with your headlights. Either way, it looks awesome and gives you that aggressive look that most people want, definitely a head-turner! All in all, a very simple and quick mod to install.
Final Thoughts
What do you think about having raptor lights on the Tacoma? I personally never ran them on my last Tacoma. However, I may run them on my new one after seeing this week’s submissions. I think that the amber and Electric Lime color would look super good together.
If you want to be featured for Taco Tuesday, submit your build through TrailTacoma.com/Feature. Next week’s Taco Tuesday will be featuring Top 5 Interior Mods. We’re looking for sweet rides to showcase! If this is you and you love your setup, send in your details because we want to see it.
Thanks for reading guys. I’ll see you next week!
