My NFAB MRDS install experience

I just finished installing an NFAB MRDS bumper on my TRD Sport. At first, I was a bit disappointed that the area behind the screen mesh did not have the modular mounting surface. A video I watched on-line showed the bumper with the modular mount in that location, and was specifically called out. I contemplated going a different direction, but eventually decided that this is the way I wanted to go.

I thought I was doing my self a favor by mounting all of the lights on the bumper first, so I could clean up the wiring before installation. However, this makes mounting the skid plate difficult. But installing the skid plate first would make mounting the lights difficult as well. It's probably not an issue if you plan on running an led bar that runs the full length of the large mounting area. But as you can see from the pics, that's not what I had in mind.

I was able to mount two pods in the corners where the mesh would be, but had plenty of extra room. I ended up cutting the mesh to fill the remaining space so I could mount my front parking sensors. I used a 7/8" step bit to bore out a hole as far into the corner as I could and give the sensor retainer enough room to sit flush.

All of the lights are connected to an SP-9100. The two fogs in each corner are operated by one switch, the three pairs in the center are operated by two switches (one for white led, and one for the amber radiance), and the main bar is in the center is operated by one switch. Another switch operates additional DRL from my VLEDS switchbacks.

Here's a pic of the final results.

 

Paint your tow hooks to match the sway bar...give it a little pop.

 

That's a good idea. I've seen others paint them. This will happen soon.

 

Nice job with the parking sensors! It all looks really good.

 

Thanks!

One of the main reasons I wanted to post this was to show that even though this bumper doesn't specifically support the parking sensors, it's an option if you have them and want to keep them.

 

That's one reason why i didnt end up buying this bumber but i really wanted it. Can you detail how you got the sensors in there? You use a circular bit in the mesh?

 

I used a 7/8" step bit like this one:

The outside diameter of the sensor retainer is about 1 inch. I chose a hole in the mesh as close to the corner as possible that gave me enough clearance for the sensor to sit flush with the mesh and not overlap with the solid piece.

I put the bit in a drill press and went slowly.