Putco Tailgate BLADE LED Install and LED plate lights
Overall, the PUTCO BLADE LED tailgate light is Sah-weet! I have had several different brands, but the PUTCO BLADE is very impressive. The Amber directional color matches perfectly with tail light amber leds and the white backup light is bright. Yes little pricey, but 3 year warranty and get the plug and play harness makes things much easier and you dont have to ever worry about a loose connection. . Here is the install steps on my 23' tremor. Words of advice, grab a beer, play some RUSH,e and do it right!
1) Recommend lowering spare, easier access to everything.
2) Tailgate removal, disconnect 3 connectors from the tailgate harness,
3) Open tailgate and remove 7mm tailgate screw on passengers side.
4) put cardboard under tailgate to avoid digging up plastic on rear bumper.
5) Detach tailgate wire hinges, position tailgate at about 45 degrees and pull passengers side up and out. Pull to right to disengage drivers side. (2 people recommended due to awkwardness and to avoid and divots in your bumper or scratching your tailgate.
6). With 2023 Power tailgate, there is a bracket with 2 large bolt heads on the right passenger side right in the middle where you will install the Blade LED bar. This bracket prevent tailgate from moving from left to right with heavy weight when open. PUTCO states you can remove entirely if you dont plan to have heavy weight our you can have the BLADE LED light go over it. I elected to go to ACE hardware and get Stainless flat head allen wrench bolts (size: Metric M8- 1. 25. ). This allowed for reduced bending of the BLADE LED light over these bolts. I sprayed the bolt heads black, (even though the BLADE LED light will cover it, but wanted to be sure).
7). Remove drivers side tali light attach the plug and play harness. (Its best to feed the harness up from underneath into the tail light location. attach the plug and play.
8). while underneath the truck run the harness over to the passenger side remove passenger side tail light and feed the harness up into the tail light location. Attach the harness. TEST ~ Plug in BLADE LED and test light, ensure everything works and NO LEDS are out)
9) Center and Mount the BLADE LED bar, utilizing the (4) thicker heavy duty brackets. I utilized stainless self tapping screws, no 3m tape (do it right)
10). Run the BLADE LED wires down between the bumper on the drivers side. Connect all BLADE LED wires. I zip tied my LED box and wires above the cross frame above the spare tire, up and out of the way.
11) Put cardboard along entire length of bumper to prevent damage and have tailgate rest on if necessary. RE-Attach tailgate, attach wires, and reinstall the 7mm screw to the passenger side hinge. Ensure proper operation of tailgate.
12). Test for proper operation and enjoy!