Recently, and almost certainly after doing something stupid, I noticed that one of my license plate bulb pods had fallen out of my '04 D2:

Moreover, it seemed to have cracked, and it turns out the bulb was burnt out. So rather than do the sensible thing and replace it with a new version of the part that had lasted 16 years, I decided it was time for an upgrade. I ordered the Tuff-Rok TRK100 from Paddock Spares (the US distributors were out of stock and I needed something else that only they had. Three days later, they arrived from England:

As is Tuff-Rok's wont, no instructions were included. Nevertheless, I set about installing them immediately. Installation was easy, with the exception of initially omitting the rubber gaskets that were on the original lights. Should they be used with the new lights? Who knows, that probably should have been in the instructions.

Alas, only one LED worked. I swapped positions to no avail, and was forced to reinstall the non-broken OEM bulb.

I emailed Paddock Spares, they were very helpful, dealt with Tuff-Rok on my behalf, obtained a new LED, and shipped it quickly to America. Sadly, it was just a new bulb and wiring, not a whole new unit, so I got to build it myself (instructions? HA!)

Finally, I reinstalled everything, using the rubber gaskets this time (they fit perfectly, so I assume they are supposed to remain). I turned on the headlights and voila!

Overall, I'm pleased with the outcome. Was it worth $50 and approximately 3 weeks of waiting? I don't know, but "worth it" doesn't really make a lot of sense in the larger context of Land Rover ownership anyway. On the other hand, hopefully I will never again have to think about my license plate lights, and that has to be worth something!

 

I've always just slapped some Sylvania LED's back there and called it a day after cleaning the OEM lens.

 

While undoubtedly a better use of time and money, whatever had cracked inside the OEM lens pod thing prevented it from staying screwed in.

 

Usually the tabs rust out or the screws themselves. I saw the Tuff Rok stuff when they released it, but I didn't care for the price.

 

i got similar integrated LED ones off ebay for like 12 bucks or something and they were super nice.

 

did they include useful instructions and work on the first try?

 

No instructions but self explanatory. Worked first try and still working 6 months later (nice and bright - good color K). I actually like the design better too. Linked below.https://www.ebay.com/itm/254461457476

 

looks like a very strong alternative

 

I only run one light on the back, I used a rocklight from rigid. The only side I had to sacrifice for a backup camera.

 

I've yet to do it on one of my own D2's, but I've already tested it once before. The license plate cargo cover on a D1 has a lock on it. You can completely remove the lock assembly, and install several type of aftermarket backup cameras in it's place. Then the license plate cargo cover bolts directly onto a D2 without any other mods. Looks 1,000,000% like a factory item!

I had one all set to install onto my Kalahari, but I sold it to a friend at the last minute. It was super easy to modify with the camera, and it looks fantastic.