Diode Dynamics Stage Series 3" SAE/DOT Yellow Sport LED Fog Pods Install

So since I've retro'd my headlights, I decided my fog lights needed some upgrading! I used these which were on sale for V-Day.


Fresh out the box.


Off-truck testing - I used Amazon-sourced Deutsch DT to 9005/9006 adapters. I had to flip the polarity on the DT side - the caps didn't come off the Amazon pair very well so it took longer than it should have (I also just straight cracked open one of 'em to free the wire leads - that's how stubborn/crappy they were). I used the DT heads from the pigtail adapters that came with the SS3 kit and everything came apart easily/beautifully and I was able to connect the leads up just fine with the 9006 side, so thank goodness for that. I'd recommend just buying the DT to 9006 wire adapter direct from DD to save yourself some trouble - connectors look to be of a higher quality.

Stock fog removal was kinda a pita, the rear clips on the back (1 black clip each side) were kinda awkward to pinch to get out, the 2 other plastic clip things were ok, once you figured out where the blind one is and find something to push the tab out of the hole with. Undoing the clips that hold the fender liner in helped make more space to maneuver down there.


Test fitment, seems to fit pretty well, just didn't like all the white showing behind the cover.


Cleaned the pocket up and drilled a hole for the mount. That was...interesting to figure out since it's on the bottom. I ended up using the bracket to approximate where the hole should be and punching pilot holes on each side with a sharp, angled pick. Then I grabbed the smallest drill I had and kinda drilled out at a slight angle from the bottom and that seemed to work.


Had to run to the store for a can of this, seemed to work well.


Masked 'em all up and put 2 coats on.


It's not the best job I've ever done, but I doubt anyone will be peeking in there lol.



Final mounting.


Love the color!


Quick garage aiming, will have to get to a better (even surface) wall to get 'em right.


Final product.

It wasn't too bad of an install, getting the stock fogs out and waiting for the paint the dry took the longest, but they seem to be worth it. Nice wide, YELLOW beam pattern complements my low beams quite nicely!

Is the color an amber like turn signals or a bright yellow like most fogs?

Ed_C said:

Is the color an amber like turn signals or a bright yellow like most fogs?

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Yellow. Although I’m pretty sure you can make it amber by slapping another yellow cover on it.

SS3 LED Pod Cover, Yellow

Nice! Love the output on these. Think I saw this over on Headlight Junkies too. I've been debating on what to go with for my fogs. Finished up my S2K retro last year and need to wrap the fogs up too.

I've got a set of the earlier the Fusion projector fogs (great cutoff and width) but they're HIDs too so that's another ballast set to worry about. Looking real hard at the Mustang 15+ LED fogs and really curious how they compare to these. I'd have to out yellow film on them as well.

You happen to compare these to anything else during your search?

CrimsonCountry said:

Nice! Love the output on these. Think I saw this over on Headlight Junkies too. I've been debating on what to go with for my fogs. Finished up my S2K retro last year and need to wrap the fogs up too.

I've got a set of the earlier the Fusion projector fogs (great cutoff and width) but they're HIDs too so that's another ballast set to worry about. Looking real hard at the Mustang 15+ LED fogs and really curious how they compare to these. I'd have to out yellow film on them as well.

You happen to compare these to anything else during your search?

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Mostly just the other "big names" Baja, Rigid. These were the best bang for buck and the Pros have the most output of any fog on the market - this especially holds true for the selective yellow line.

The difference between Sports/Pros is the emitter size, and at the end of the day, I liked focus/beam pattern of the smaller emitters on the Sports - much less foreground leakage/spill and sharper cutoff.

Not super familiar with the newer Mustang fogs, but I don't think anything on the market (OEM or otherwise) can match the SS3's 80 degree spread.

Thanks for this! After pouring over crashnburn80's 50page fog thread on TW, which I'm sure also inspired you, I started looking to see if anyone has installed these on an 06-09. I'm gonna order them even though they are backordered and I want fogs NOW! Would you do anything differently with your install if you did it again? Was it easy to aim these installed the way you did? And this is the adapter I want, right?

Deutsch DT Adapter Wires (pair)

Also, I have to wonder if this bezel shape would work better for our model, filling that open space? Or would they be too wide or long and not fit?

Stage Series 3" SAE/DOT Yellow Sport Angled LED Pod (pair)

I didn't want to spend this much on fogs, I realize these are great value, but I really shouldn't be spending this much on these. After all the research I knew I would never be happy with anything cheaper...and these outperform more expensive options! So here we go!:lookout:

chaincleaner said:

Thanks for this! After pouring over crashnburn80's 50page fog thread on TW, which I'm sure also inspired you, I started looking to see if anyone has installed these on an 06-09. I'm gonna order them even though they are backordered and I want fogs NOW! Would you do anything differently with your install if you did it again? Was it easy to aim these installed the way you did? And this is the adapter I want, right?

Deutsch DT Adapter Wires (pair)

Also, I have to wonder if this bezel shape would work better for our model, filling that open space? Or would they be too wide or long and not fit?

Stage Series 3" SAE/DOT Yellow Sport Angled LED Pod (pair)

I didn't want to spend this much on fogs, I realize these are great value, but I really shouldn't be spending this much on these. After all the research I knew I would never be happy with anything cheaper...and these outperform more expensive options! So here we go!:lookout:

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Honestly, I was researching and such and found these before the TW thread, although I will say, the testing there really sealed the deal! It looks like Lightwerkz has them in stock with free shipping if you're really itching - I ordered from them and they came pretty quick. They're still one of my favorite mods!

I don't think I would have done anything differently - except maybe order the DT connectors you linked directly from DD. The Amazon ones worked fine but the DT connector heads were a real PITA to get off in order to reverse the polarity - as I said I ended up using the included DD DT connectors on the pigtails and they were a breeze to remove.

Super easy to aim, I just tightened the mounts a decent amount to where they are firm but still able to be moved and it's been working great like that - they haven't dropped or anything while driving/hitting bumps/off-road stuff/etc.

The angled models might work better in our pockets (I considered about it as well), but I can't confirm - everyone who I consulted about trying this suggested the basic round models. They might still leave a gap so you'd still probably have to paint the inside of the pockets, but they'd fill in more of the space. I plan on getting a steel bumper at some point so I figured having the "universal" round models would work better when the time came to mount 'em elsewhere. If you plan on keeping your stock bumper - it might be worth a try!

If you keep an eye out, Lightwerkz often runs 15% off promos on DD products from time to time (with free shipping) to soften the blow. It's crazy that these are "budget friendly," but considering the competition's prices
you're right, they are gthe best value for the price - I'm very impressed with the overall build quality/output. The Pro models might have been nice, since my retro'd headlights are super intense, but after using the Sports in very foggy conditions somewhat recently, these did a great job. I don't regret not going Pro, personally - it would have been purely for aesthetics. The Sport's pattern/cutoff/width are great - good throw and SO WIDE - wider than my headlights even. I don't think you'll regret 'em.

Thanks, that's super helpful. And rad tip on the lightwerkz!

You're right, I definitely may get a bumper down the road, so that's a good consideration. It doesn't say whether the bezels are interchangeable, although you can order the flat round bezel seperately, which implies that they are. I can't find any measurements showing whether the toyota style angled bezel has a larger diameter than the flat style, but looking at the photos it appears that it just might! Tough decision. I'm going to look and see if i can find info comparing 5th gen bezel/housing size to 06-09 to see if it helps me decide. It would be nice if it happens to fit perfectly and the only reason they don't list our trucks as compatible is having to diy the bolt hole-

chaincleaner said:

Thanks, that's super helpful. And rad tip on the lightwerkz!

You're right, I definitely may get a bumper down the road, so that's a good consideration. It doesn't say whether the bezels are interchangeable, although you can order the flat round bezel seperately, which implies that they are. I can't find any measurements showing whether the toyota style angled bezel has a larger diameter than the flat style, but looking at the photos it appears that it just might! Tough decision. I'm going to look and see if i can find info comparing 5th gen bezel/housing size to 06-09 to see if it helps me decide. It would be nice if it happens to fit perfectly and the only reason they don't list our trucks as compatible is having to diy the bolt hole-

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No problem, I'm surprised these aren't more popular in our community, they make your fogs actually useful! I guess everyone is just sticking to their pnp LED bulbs - to each their own I suppose.

It looks like the bezels just pop off - they sell the angled and the flat round as well as the others. Try measuring the diameter of the pocket cover's opening and see if you get can a 5th gen guy to give you their angled bezel's diameter...that should give you a pretty good idea. You could also contact DD, they might ahve those measurements on hand. The only thing I can think of is that it will effect the depth of the mounting, but it shouldn't be that bad. Yeah, I just made my own hole as I mentioned above, a "kit" type would likely snug into both of the factory holder holes.

Drift Monkey said:

No problem, I'm surprised these aren't more popular in our community, they make your fogs actually useful! I guess everyone is just sticking to their pnp LED bulbs - to each their own I suppose.

It looks like the bezels just pop off - they sell the angled and the flat round as well as the others. Try measuring the diameter of the pocket cover's opening and see if you get can a 5th gen guy to give you their angled bezel's diameter...that should give you a pretty good idea. You could also contact DD, they might ahve those measurements on hand. The only thing I can think of is that it will effect the depth of the mounting, but it shouldn't be that bad. Yeah, I just made my own hole as I mentioned above, a "kit" type would likely snug into both of the factory holder holes.

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So I'm going to get the same one you did think to be safe and avoid the "toyota" type bezel from potentially pushing the light further back or having to trim something / order the flat bezel if it doesn't fit. The thing is, on lightwerkz, they are all listed as different kit models, while the one you linked to on DD just comes with the universal bracket and doesn't list a type.

It seems I have to choose a type on lightwerkz, such as Type A or GM. Which did you get?

Edit: Looks like the Mopar kit comes with the 9006 adapter, which is nice, but would the base of the assembly be shaped differently enough to be a problem I wonder. Or perhaps it's the same one you have?

Edit 2: I see now I was overlooking the standard generic version on Lightwerkz' site because it was shown with the square bezel. Once I click on it I can choose the round bezel.

chaincleaner said:

So I'm going to get the same one you did think to be safe and avoid the "toyota" type bezel from potentially pushing the light further back or having to trim something / order the flat bezel if it doesn't fit. The thing is, on lightwerkz, they are all listed as different kit models, while the one you linked to on DD just comes with the universal bracket and doesn't list a type.

It seems I have to choose a type on lightwerkz, such as Type A or GM. Which did you get?

Edit: Looks like the Mopar kit comes with the 9006 adapter, which is nice, but would the base of the assembly be shaped differently enough to be a problem I wonder. Or perhaps it's the same one you have?

Edit 2: I see now I was overlooking the standard generic version on Lightwerkz' site because it was shown with the square bezel. Once I click on it I can choose the round bezel.

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Stage Series 3" SAE/DOT LED Pod (Pair) - Diode Dynamics - Off Road Lighting

• Yellow SAE/DOT Fog
• Sport
• Round
• No

LW doesn't list the DT adapter, that's why I went scamazon.

Ah I see, now I get why you got the sketch adapter! Thanks for the help. I see Lightwerks also has a notice: "ALL SS3 PODS PLEASE EXPECT 4-8 WEEK LEAD TIME ON NEW ORDERS". So even though it says "In Stock", sounds like it may very much be not in stock. I'll call em tomorrow and if it's going to take the same wait time, I'll just get it from DD with their adapter. I did find a couple threads making it sound like the 5th gen/Tacoma bezel will fit, but I think I'll follow your lead with the flat bezel.

chaincleaner said:

Ah I see, now I get why you got the sketch adapter! Thanks for the help. I see Lightwerks also has a notice: "ALL SS3 PODS PLEASE EXPECT 4-8 WEEK LEAD TIME ON NEW ORDERS". So even though it says "In Stock", sounds like it may very much be not in stock. I'll call em tomorrow and if it's going to take the same wait time, I'll just get it from DD with their adapter. I did find a couple threads making it sound like the 5th gen/Tacoma bezel will fit, but I think I'll follow your lead with the flat bezel.

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I got mine drop shipped from DD when I ordered from LW.

Maybe this is a stupid question, but would the two Pods provide better coverage & visibility than say an 18" bar installed in the lower bumper? It just seems like it'd be easier to install than trying to make the pods work.

JShipps said:

Maybe this is a stupid question, but would the two Pods provide better coverage & visibility than say an 18" bar installed in the lower bumper? It just seems like it'd be easier to install than trying to make the pods work.

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Nah it's not stupid.

Depends on the bar I guess. I'll eventually end up with 4 pods on a steel bumper with the LED mounted on top of the bumper (for different usage (white) - likely a distance/throw light). A low mounted light bar (amber) with a good beam pattern (fog/wide) would probably achieve even more if that's what you're after.

These were pretty easy to install into the stock location and a little bit cheaper/easier install imo.

Is there any downside to using adapters like that with LED lights to factory wiring instead of using the supplied wiring and switch? The supplied wiring always seems a little more heavy-duty (at least with my Rigid lights).

Kyle C said:

Is there any downside to using adapters like that with LED lights to factory wiring instead of using the supplied wiring and switch? The supplied wiring always seems a little more heavy-duty (at least with my Rigid lights).

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Depends on the wattage/amperage draw of the lights. In this case, our stock fogs are rated at 55w a pop (9006) and the DD SS3s Sports only sip 14.5w a pod. The more powerful Pros still only manage 36w a pod, well below that the stock wiring is rated for. DD's own vheicle specific kits don't come with harnesses for these applications, so it seems we're in agreement haha.

Not sure if your Rigids are pods or a bar, but intended draw should be a rough gauge of what type of wiring to use.

Drift Monkey said:

I got mine drop shipped from DD when I ordered from LW.

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So lightwerkz has the vehicle specific kits in stock, but the universal kit ships from DD, like you said. I called and got AMAZING customer service from Brendan.

So what I am trying to figure out is whether you used the metal mounting bracket in your install, or if your drilled hole attaches directly to the fog body somehow, with the bracket removed. I'm having a hard time picturing that square metal bracket fitting nicely under the light inside the bumper bezel, and don't see it in your photos, probably it's just hidden. If you did in fact remove the bracket, it would mean I can order the Type M mopar kit with the 9006 adapter, remove the mopar bracket, and have the exact same set up as you, in the mail without waiting. Thanks!

chaincleaner said:

So lightwerkz has the vehicle specific kits in stock, but the universal kit ships from DD, like you said. I called and got AMAZING customer service from Brendan.

So what I am trying to figure out is whether you used the metal mounting bracket in your install, or if your drilled hole attaches directly to the fog body somehow, with the bracket removed. I'm having a hard time picturing that square metal bracket fitting nicely under the light inside the bumper bezel, and don't see it in your photos, probably it's just hidden. If you did in fact remove the bracket, it would mean I can order the Type M mopar kit with the 9006 adapter, remove the mopar bracket, and have the exact same set up as you, in the mail without waiting. Thanks!

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Yeah, the guys at LW are great! They're my go-to.

I used the metal mounting bracket it came with and drilled a hole for that bolt.







Hard to see but the plastic bumper just conforms to the metal mounting bracket - you can just barely see it in the last 2 pics. That was the easiest way I could think of - drilling the top woulda worked too - very easy to do the vertical aiming this way.

Can't thank you enough for the help with this. It looks like I'm gonna have to order the same one and wait for it so I don't end up kicking myself for trying something else. I keep wondering if there is a way to drill for the bolt holes on the other vehicle specific brackets, but I haven't even popped the fender off to look back there, and I don't think there's a vertical area on the inner bumper that lines up to make that work. Do you recall what size bolt you used?