The 2024 Raptor Gets Baja Designs OnX6+ Behind the Grille & S2 Reverse Lights

Transforming the 2024 Raptor with Baja Designs

In this week's episode, we delve into another exciting addition to our 2024 Raptor build project - some more premium Baja Designs lighting. Last week you guys saw us install Baja Designs XL Racer Edition High Speed Spots on SDHQ's SDHQBuilt A-Pillar Light Mounting Brackets, and their S1/SAE Squadron Fog Pocket Kit (pictured above). This week we tackled the truck's wimpy OEM reverse lights with an S2 Reverse Light Kit and mounted Baja Designs' OnX6+ Dual Light Bar Behind the Grille setup for F-150 Raptor. Between the painless installation and plug-and-play operation of these lights with our sPOD, these top-tier components are helping us turn an already capable truck into a truly formidable off-road beast.

Lighting the Way

One of the standout upgrades we've been excited to add to this truck is the lighting setup from Baja Designs. Known for their high-performance off-road lighting solutions, Baja Designs offers unparalleled visibility and style, while providing lights that are more rugged than the vehicles they're mounted on. The installation process began with tearing down the truck's front end in order to access the mounting location inside of the grille. This means that Matt had to undo a few fasteners and then pull and twist the fenders and a central trim piece in order to release the clips holding them on. Always a slightly unpleasant experience (creating very unpleasant noises), we were able to get the Raptor's grille assembly out without any broken clips or plastics. 

Mounting the OnX6+ Lights

Next, Matt mounted the OnX6+ brackets behind the grille and swapped the clear lenses to amber in the lights. Baja Designs provides robust brackets that align perfectly where the bottom four louvers are in the grille. Getting the louvers/slats out of the grille was a simple task after wrestling with the fenders and trim piece. These mounting locations are a little snug, but they fit well with the provided spacers and hardware. Installation of the mounting brackets would've been easier if Matt had tiny hands, but after using some various tools to get the hardware aligned, it was pretty straightforward.

Each bracket is made from thicker steel than we had expected, and powder-coated texture black for corrosion resistance. Reinstalling the grille, front trim and fenders was a very smooth process and we buttoned up the truck quickly. These brackets provide a very stable base for the beefy OnX6+ lights, and they don't bounce or vibrate when we're driving over rougher terrain. Explore more of the Baja Designs OnX6+ Behind the Grille Dual Light Bar Kit by clicking here!

Mounting the S2 Reverse Lights

We followed up the Behind the Grille Kit with Baja Designs S2 Reverse Light Kit under the Raptor's rear bumper. After the lengthier OnX6+ install, bolting up the S2s only took a couple minutes and Matt was able to get them wired in a little over five minutes. Wiring them was as simple as removing the taillight and tapping into the reverse light wires, then connecting the whole system - which was incredibly straight-forward and works like a charm. While I'm sure we could have wired them through the sPOD for increased functionality, we want them to operate as reverse lights exclusively, and don't have a need for a manual toggle.

These S2s perfectly augment Ford's tiny OEM reverse lights in the 2024 F-150 Raptor's taillights, and they really illuminate everything behind the truck when backing up. This S2 Reverse Light install completes our Baja Designs setup for a little while... the next time you see us installing lights, we'll be working on a secret project with Baja Designs' XL series lights.

Wiring and Integration

Wiring is a critical step in the installation process for these advanced lights. Luckily, Baja Designs provides very detailed instructions and thorough, high-quality wiring kits including all necessary connectors and splitters. For the OnX6+ bars, Matt routed the wires neatly through the engine bay and to the sPOD, ensuring a clean and professional look - while remaining serviceable. The S2 Reverse Light Kit couldn't have been easier to connect, and proper grounding and water-tight connections are ensured to prevent electrical issues. Connecting both of these kits to the sPOD is straightforward and reliable. Check out the OnX6+ Kit by clicking here, and the S2 Reverse Kit here. 

Adjusting and Testing the Lights

After installation, it's always crucial to adjust the lights for optimal angles and performance. Matt aligned the new light bars and A-Pillar and Fog Pocket lights from the last episode to achieve the best coverage and minimize glare. We tested the lights in a dark environment out near the shop, and we were truly able to  showcase their impressive output and ensure the lights are functioning correctly. The throw from these lights is amazing, we had no issues lighting up the tree line thousands of meters away from the Raptor... this thing is looking good on lighting! Watch the night test/adjustment of these lights by clicking here.

Final Thoughts on the Lighting Upgrade

Our 2024 Raptor build project outfitted with Baja Designs lighting is a testament to what’s possible with the right upgrades. The enhanced visibility improves safety during nighttime and off-road driving, and the lights guarantee we won't be overdriving our throw, no matter how fast we're going. And let's just say we're not worried about needing the flash the high beams at a slow left lane cruiser... Whether you're an off-road enthusiast or someone who simply values high-quality lighting and thoroughly outfitting your vehicle, Baja Designs and sPOD offer the perfect solutions. For a comprehensive list of all lighting products used in this build, visit the YouTube video's description below. Thanks again to Baja Designs for helping us get this rig outfitted and illuminated!

Watch the full 2024 Raptor Baja Designs OnX6+ // S2 Reverse Kit Install: