Diode Dynamics SS3 Fog Light Kit Installed

[snowpeak]

Purchased a pair of Diode Dynamics new SS3 fog lights and installed them today. This kit is plug and play for our 5th gen 4Runners and is a breeze to install! Looks good and good quality craftsmanship to boot.

Plug and play, designed to meet SAE/DOT requirements. I went with the yellow lens and sport model. There’s a pro version that’s brighter but the sport is already plenty brighter than the stock fog lights.

 

[snowpeak]

I won’t go into detail on how to replace the fog lights, it’s been well documented on this forum and on YouTube. Rather, here are some key points on this kit such as unboxing and aiming.

I am installing these on a 2020 TRD ORP. I purchased when they went on presale in November and they arrived via UPS a few weeks later. They are well packaged.

As soon as I removed the OEM fog lights, I tested the new SS3s. The connectors have + and - indicators on them. The negative matches up to the white/black wire on the fog lights.

Plugged in and unmounted, you can see just how narrow the lens aims the beam. After installing,
I notice no glare whatsoever. The light is very well distributed for a fog light.

There are 2 small nuts with a 4mm hex bolt on each side of the light to affix it to the mounting bracket and to provide some aiming. There’s not a lot of room to aim but it lined up easily next to the stock fog light.

Aim maxed out to one direction.

Aim maxed out in the other direction.

Once they’re mounted, there’s still ample room to get that 4mm Allen wrench in there and tighten it down.

As noted in the instructions in the box, there will be a slight gap to the factory trim since you’ll aim the fogs down a bit. It’s not noticeable but I wonder how it’ll be when there’s mud and whatever else in there. It’s less than 1/4 inch. It does mount flush if you aim it high, though I’d rather not be a jerk on the road blinding traffic just for a 1/4 in. gap. Edit: other aftermarket fog pocket kits such as this also have a gap.

Here’s a shot of the driver side fog light installed, with the OEM fog light on the passenger side. This way, I was able to aim it a little easier to stock.

At dusk, it’s not as yellow and mixes nicely with my 4300k HID Phillips bulbs to a nice warm white.

Compare with fogs off

 

[snowpeak]

Headlights off, fog lights off

Headlights on, fog lights off

Headlights on, fog lights on

 

[ZenArcade]

Thanks for info. I had these in the cart the other night, but delayed purchase for a bit (couldn't decide between sport and pro). They look very nice, but the gap would bug me. Should be able to seal it up ... some type of tape or ?

 

[snowpeak]

[MENTION=435057]ZenArcade[/MENTION] the gap isn’t actually that noticeable unless you’re right over top of it or looking for it. It’s all black anyway, so it doesn’t stick out. It doesn’t bother me at all.

 

[sn_85]

Thanks for info. I had these in the cart the other night, but delayed purchase for a bit (couldn't decide between sport and pro). They look very nice, but the gap would bug me. Should be able to seal it up ... some type of tape or ?

You won't even notice the gap. I have the Baja Designs Squadron Sports which are very similar. There's also a thread on the BD ones and the gap around the fog pockets. Much was made about the gap and honestly once you install it you won't even notice it. It's so small and insignificant that it's a non-issue. The only time you'd notice it is if you directly look for it but on a daily basis you won't even see the gap. There's no effect on the function either, nothing will drip or drain into it. I wouldn't let the gap stop you from ordering it. Order it, install it, and if it still bothers you then put a trim around it.

 

[Sea_ledford]

Thanks for this. Nice to see how they look on!

I got the same lights on Black Friday pre-sale. I started to install the passenger side first since that seems to be the more difficult side due to the extra shroud. Got about 10 bolts removed, and wasn't much closer to getting access, so I decided to wait until my slimline bumper gets here in a couple weeks. I'll have to pull the whole bumper off to cut it anyway, no need to do it twice!

-Chris

 

[snowpeak]

Thanks for this. Nice to see how they look on!



I got the same lights on Black Friday pre-sale. I started to install the passenger side first since that seems to be the more difficult side due to the extra shroud. Got about 10 bolts removed, and wasn't much closer to getting access, so I decided to wait until my slimline bumper gets here in a couple weeks. I'll have to pull the whole bumper off to cut it anyway, no need to do it twice!



-Chris

I was dreading the passenger side based upon what I had read, but it was actually quicker than the driver side for me after I knew what I was doing with the fender liner and installation. I only removed two bolts for the fender liner, pulled the fender liner to the side, used a flat head screw driver to pry the shroud/splash guard out (tabs on either side) and two screws to remove the stock fog housings. The shroud/splash guard was a little tricky getting back on, but no big deal. Didn’t even need to remove my 275/70/17 tires but I did turn the wheel all the way to the side to maximize the room.

 

[snowpeak]

I ran the SS3s for about 3 hours straight today, a mix of on road at 50mph+ and off road at 5mph+. I touched the front and back (behind the bumper) and it was barely warm. This thing is well made and doesn’t generate a lot of heat. No issues through dirt, mud, or extended use.

 

[Zed33]

looks great!!

 

[[email protected]]

Got mine yesterday... went to install them today... and GREAT, NO FVCKIN Wiring adapters.

 

[jimmied]

Installed mine...Mounted up perfectly but they really throw the light to the sides and not as much in front. Not a bad thing but I think I have some slight adjustments to make.

 

[Phade]

I don't get the gap issue - Toyota has LED options now and no gap. Not sure why that gap exists across multiple manufacturers.

I have a pair of BDs that are on way back to factory for fixing since they had the stop sale on their SAEs. Came really really close to buying these based on FB responses from the owner/EEs at DD. The gap though is driving me nuts.

Ended up going with the Toyota LEDs but wish they had an amber as I do a ton of backroad driving for work. Deer/Snow/Crap weather.

 

[Diode Dynamics]

I appreciate the review and interest from everyone! If anyone has any questions or concerns, we are happy to assist.

Got mine yesterday... went to install them today... and GREAT, NO FVCKIN Wiring adapters.

Should be in the bag with the brackets! Shoot us an email if you don't see them and we'll get a set to you right away. So sorry for the trouble!

I don't get the gap issue - Toyota has LED options now and no gap. Not sure why that gap exists across multiple manufacturers.

I have a pair of BDs that are on way back to factory for fixing since they had the stop sale on their SAEs. Came really really close to buying these based on FB responses from the owner/EEs at DD. The gap though is driving me nuts.

A slight gap is necessary to allow for vertical adjustment, angling the lamp up and down. If you prefer, you can angle them straight and the gap can be eliminated completely, mating the SS3 directly to the edge of the plastic opening.

The Toyota factory fog has a gap as well, but the lens is convex and clear to the edge, so it's not noticeable. Try sliding a piece of paper around the edges though and you'll see what I mean. Honestly though, if you take a bit of time to adjust the SS3, the gap is extremely small (1-2mm at most) and not noticeable. Ours do fit better than the competition. We 3D printed over 12 designs for the Tacoma, trying to get the best possible fitment... it got a bit nitpicky towards the end. Either way, I appreciate your interest!

Paul

 

[snowpeak]

It’s been a week and I gotta say I don’t notice the gap at all.

Riding through dirt and mud trails and up to snowy mountains, these things have held up so far. With the SAE/DOT fog lights running all night and day, no one has flashed me on the road. Meanwhile as much as I want to support a local business (I’m in San Diego), Baja Designs just isn’t cutting it with their SAE fogs and the issues they’ve had.

Do you notice the gap?

 

[sicnarfone]

I am guessing these are Pros ($300 value) and not the sport ($180 value)

UPDATE: Never mind. I see they have the LED Pods for 4runner for $200.
[MENTION=407981]snowpeak[/MENTION], you purchased these right?
LINK: SS3 LED Fog Light Kit for 2010-2019 Toyota 4Runner

 

[snowpeak]

SS3 LED Fog Light Kit for 2010-2019 Toyota 4Runner

That’s the correct link. I chose these options:
- Optic and Color: Yellow SAE/DOT Fog
- Power Level: Sport

 

[[email protected]]

I appreciate the review and interest from everyone! If anyone has any questions or concerns, we are happy to assist.

Should be in the bag with the brackets! Shoot us an email if you don't see them and we'll get a set to you right away. So sorry for the trouble!

Paul

They were not in the bag ((

I submitted on the Contact form.(might have sent two)

Id love to have these up and running soon!

Installed looks great. Very easy and straightforward. Gap isnt noticable. I have the BajaDesigns WC Fogs before... that gap was way more!

 

[Daisy 53]

Hey all,
Torn between the yellow and the whites. I live in NM and we don’t see that much rain/snow. My thoughts are that the whites would be a better choice, thoughts from you all?
Thanks
Daisy

 

[Sundy]

Hey all,
Torn between the yellow and the whites. I live in NM and we don’t see that much rain/snow. My thoughts are that the whites would be a better choice, thoughts from you all?
Thanks
Daisy

I'm wanting to order a pair of these and also torn. Until last night I hadn't really noticed or paid attention to yellow fogs - I saw another 4Runner with some bright yellow fogs and loved how it lit the roadway up a bit differently - when I do order these I'll be going with the sport yellows!