I and many others have mounted a light bar or spotties behind either the upper or lower grille - still very effective and a huge improvement, but as you said, it limits spread a touch.
I've seen a few people do similar to the image attached, including with slightly larger lights than just the 2x2 cubes.
Be mindful though that a work light probably won't get you the distance you're after, as that's not their primary function. If the measurements work out, I'd be looking at something like a couple of the 7" Stedi single row ST3K light bars in the grille slots, or the 8" double row ST4K. Still won't be as good as a larger light bar, but I'd suggest it'll be better than a work light.