Fog Lights

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Nov 15, 2008 | 07:53 AM

Aftrmidnite

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 1,572

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Fog Lights

My Truck is a 2001, S'crew, 2wd, the front valance is standard with no cut outs. I have to drive past a swamp to get to work. With the fog and deer, it's gets a little scary. I want to add after market fog lights, with the old fashioned dimmer switch on the floor. Any recommendations for the lights location, light brands, color of lights? The dimmer switch looks pretty heavy duty, will I need a relay? Also were is a good place to tap into for power? I was going to leave the existing wiring harness alone for OEM fogs, and don't want to go the new valance, dash switch route due to the cost, and poor lighting performance that I hear about from them.

Nov 15, 2008 | 08:25 AM

xtrford

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Joined: Jul 2005

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Since you don't have cut outs, try mounting them behind your grill.....only works good if you have a the honeycomb style. Most quality kits will have everything you need with instructions....for your particular problem I would go with a a true fog light with the fluted lens, driving lights never work good in the fog.

Nov 15, 2008 | 09:23 AM

Club Wagon

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Joined: Feb 2007

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Fog lights are more effective the lower they're mounted. If you "try mounting them behind your grille" you do essentially nothing in that pursuit, since the grille is at the same height as headlights.

You'd be far better off mounting fog lights below the bumper. If that makes them too vulnerable for your style of driving, try the 'mouth' in the bumper, which offers a lower height equal to OEM fog lights.

I like the OEM halogen 9006 (51 W) set up w/switch on dash integrated w/stalk dimmer, but made no comparisons & haven't looked into higher wattage bulbs. Its not clear how your "old fashioned dimmer switch on the floor" would be set up. There's likely to be a fair number of good used upgrade bumpers w/OEM fog lights out there for modest cost. Note: Same as Expedition. I've got FORD's installation instructions.

Nov 15, 2008 | 05:23 PM

jdrahush

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 125

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From: London, Ontario

I just installed the 4X4 front end (lower valance, tow hooks and fog lights (non-OEM)) on my truck for less that $350 Canadian dollars, just by looking around for some good deals at the wreckers and ebay etc... but I used my own switch. Before you say to heck with the valance option price some stuff out and see what comes up. You probably won't need relays unless your using light duty wires and/or want to have it so your fog lights automatically turn off when you put your high beams on or other stuff light that. Some places like Ontario require that by law. Also one more thing I've heard but I'm not sure if its true, I've heard that orange is the best color for penetrating fog. Anyway good luck.