Adding a rear-facing light bar to a Jeep JL Wrangler is one of the most practical upgrades you can make for camping, off-road trail running, and backing into dark campsites. In this guide, we walk through the full Jeep JL Wrangler SS30 hardtop light bar install using the Diode Dynamics SS30 Rear Hardtop Light Bar Kit. We tested and installed this kit ourselves, and the whole process is surprisingly straightforward with just a 10 mm ratchet, a few zip ties, and some patience routing the wiring. Below, you will find the video walkthrough, step-by-step instructions, and the exact points where each connection is made.

What You Get and What Fits

The SS30 rear hardtop light bar kit is designed for 2018 through 2026 Jeep JL Wrangler models equipped with a hardtop and rear window. That wide fitment window means the same kit works across nearly the entire current JL generation. The kit uses the factory rear window hinge hardware as its anchor point, so there is no cutting or drilling into the hardtop itself. If you want to source the specific mounting hardware, the SS30 Rear Hardtop Bracket Kit is the bracket set that positions the bar behind the window hinges. The light bar itself is the Stage Series 30-Inch LED Light Bar, which is what gives this kit its wide rear coverage. If you are still shopping around or comparing options, our friends stock a full range of an LED Light Bar for nearly any build, and you can also browse dedicated Off-Road LED Light Bars if you want to see how the SS30 stacks up against other sizes and configurations.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, gather a 10 mm ratchet and socket, the included brackets and bolts, the adhesive zip tie guides, and a set of zip ties. You will also need your Jeep’s tool kit or a small ratchet for the taillight bolt. Park on a level surface, and make sure you have a helper or a secure way to support the rear window while it is unbolted from the hinges. The install breaks down into three main phases: mounting the bar, routing the wiring through the taillight, and connecting power under the hood.

Step 1: Remove the Rear Window Hinge Bolts

Start by opening the rear window and locating the two 10 mm bolts on both sides that attach the window to the hardtop. While supporting the window in a secure position, use a 10 mm ratchet to remove the bolts, allowing the hinges to separate from the hardtop. Take your time here and keep the window steady, because these bolts are what hold the glass in place.

s

Step 2: Install the Mounting Brackets

With the bolts out, grab one of the mounting brackets and make sure it is the correct side, with the mounting flange facing toward the middle of the vehicle. Slide it in place behind the hinge, line up the holes, and hand screw the same bolts you removed to secure the bracket. Adjust it accordingly and then tighten everything down. Repeat this same process for the other side. Getting the flange orientation right is the key detail here, so double-check that it points inward toward the center of the vehicle before torquing anything down.

Step 3: Mount the SS30 Light Bar

With both brackets installed, grab your SS30 light bar and use a 10 mm socket to secure the included mounting bolts. The bar attaches directly to the brackets you just set behind the hinges. Snug the bolts down evenly on both sides so the bar sits straight, and give it a light tug to confirm everything is locked in place.

Step 4: Secure the Light Bar Wiring

Reopen the window and use the adhesive zip tie guides by applying them along the interior window space as shown in the video. Once applied, line up the light bar wire to the guides and zip tie them accordingly. These guides keep the wiring tucked cleanly along the interior space so nothing rattles or gets pinched when the window opens and closes.

Step 5: Route the Wiring Through the Taillight

Next, the extension wire needs to route up and through the interior of the vehicle by way of the taillight. Begin by removing the taillight. Use your tool to unscrew the bolt located in the access socket, then remove the taillight assembly with care and disconnect it. This gives you access to the cavity you need for feeding the harness.

While routing the wiring, feed the four-pin harness through the taillight cavity and lead it into the side cavity, which acts as the exit point for the wiring. After positioning the wiring, connect the light bar plug to the four-pin harness. Then move to the other end of the harness and feed it down through the body of the vehicle so it can reach the engine bay.

Step 6: Connect Power at the Battery

For the next phase, open the hood, locate the battery, and use your ratchet tool to loosen the terminal bolts. Connect the dual terminal harness to the battery’s negative and positive posts. This is the direct power source for the entire system, so make sure the connections are clean and the terminal bolts are retightened securely.

With the harness connected, route the output wire along the windshield cowl, keeping it away from any hot or moving parts, and secure it using zip ties. Then take the four-pin connector from the harness and thread it down through the engine bay. Under the vehicle, route both harnesses along the body and plug them in, securing any loose wiring with zip ties as you go. Taking a few extra minutes to keep the wiring tidy under the vehicle pays off in long-term reliability.

Step 7: Route and Mount the Toggle Switch

To finish up, route the toggle switch through the firewall into the cab and mount it to the location of your choice. This gives you full control over the light bar from inside the vehicle. Pick a spot that is easy to reach but out of the way of your normal driving controls, and you are all set.

Final Thoughts on the SS30 Hardtop Install

And there you have it, a clean rear hardtop light bar setup on your Jeep JL Wrangler. The install uses the factory hinge hardware for mounting, routes cleanly through the taillight cavity, and draws power directly from the battery with a switch you can place wherever it suits you best. The whole job comes down to careful bracket orientation, tidy wire routing, and secure battery connections. When we ran through it, the process was very repeatable and did not require any permanent modifications to the hardtop. If you are also considering brightening up the front of your rig, take a look at our roundup of the Best LED Headlights for the Jeep Wrangler to round out your lighting setup. Between a strong set of headlights up front and a wide rear light bar behind you, your JL will be ready for whatever the trail or campsite throws at it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vehicles fit the Diode Dynamics SS30 hardtop light bar kit?

The kit is designed for 2018 through 2026 Jeep JL Wrangler models with a hardtop and rear window.

Do I need to remove the rear window to install the SS30 kit?

Yes, you open the rear window and remove two 10 mm bolts on each side that attach the window hinges to the hardtop before installing the mounting brackets.

How does the light bar connect to power?

A dual terminal harness connects directly to the vehicle battery’s positive and negative posts under the hood, and a four pin harness routes the wiring through the engine bay, under the vehicle, and into the taillight cavity to reach the light bar.

Is the taillight assembly removed during installation?

Yes, the taillight is removed by unscrewing the bolt located in the access socket so the wiring harness can be routed through the taillight cavity and out the side exit point.

Where does the toggle switch for the light bar get mounted?

The toggle switch wire is routed through the firewall into the cab and can be mounted at a location of the installer’s choice.