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

[ads2539]

Looks great! I’d love to do this to my 4R, but I have a 2004 so my fog lights are different.

 

[Drift Monkey]

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?

No worries man, glad to help!

I can't recall the size of the bolt - it came with the all the rest of the mounting hardware the pods came with.

 

[skre0860]

Love it I heard of people doing different things to the dog lights but this is the best looking one yet


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[chaincleaner]

No worries man, glad to help!

I can't recall the size of the bolt - it came with the all the rest of the mounting hardware the pods came with.

I realized after I asked that the lights probably included the bolts

They shipped faster than they predicted and are supposed to arrive tomorrow! Now I've just gotta look up how to best get in there and take the stock fogs out, gonna do the fender liner relocation at the same time to eliminate the little rub I'm getting with my 33's

 

[Drift Monkey]

I realized after I asked that the lights probably included the bolts

They shipped faster than they predicted and are supposed to arrive tomorrow! Now I've just gotta look up how to best get in there and take the stock fogs out, gonna do the fender liner relocation at the same time to eliminate the little rub I'm getting with my 33's

No need to look, I'll tell ya! I'm on 34s, so I know the routine hahaha. I had to trim the bottom corner of the front bumpers as well, but ymmv.

You're gonna unbolt the clips holding the fender liner (2 drive, 3 passenger) and peel them up and away. That should give you enough clearance to maneuver around down there. The fogs are held on by a black pinch clip and 2 notches on each side...you'll see once you're down there.

When you're done, you won't reuse the clips but just those screws and make new screws after you push the liner forward and you should be good to go.

Have fun and feel free to ask if you run into any road blocks!

 

[chaincleaner]

No need to look, I'll tell ya! I'm on 34s, so I know the routine hahaha. I had to trim the bottom corner of the front bumpers as well, but ymmv.

You're gonna unbolt the clips holding the fender liner (2 drive, 3 passenger) and peel them up and away. That should give you enough clearance to maneuver around down there. The fogs are held on by a black pinch clip and 2 notches on each side...you'll see once you're down there.

When you're done, you won't reuse the clips but just those screws and make new screws after you push the liner forward and you should be good to go.

Have fun and feel free to ask if you run into any road blocks!

So I got the lights installed and they look great. I'll try to add a picture today. What has me stumped is the fender liner.

The main post about this that all threads on t4r.org link to seems to be deleted. I've undone all the screws and clips on the liners. But when I push the liner forward, away from the tire and toward the bumper of course, it no longer reaches low enough to contact the bumper, and I can't see any way to make new screw holes if it isn't touching the bumper! I'll have to add pics today. Everyone does this mod so I'm either missing something or my truck is different. It's like a swing - because it's pivot point is fixed above where it's still attached, the bottom of the liner swings upward as I push it forward.

EDIT: I think I figured out why this has been stumping me. I believe the previous owner had already done a version of this mod, but I didn't realize it. After buying the truck, I put slightly larger tires and very slightly more negative wheels and this caused the rub to reappear, only when turning hard, and almost exclusively when backing up. He had ridge grapplers measuring something like 22.4 and these new KO2's are more like 22.7.

Anyway, When trying to push the liner more forward, I was finding no more room to do so, because it had already been done. The clips however were all in place, even the lower bottom ones, because whoever did this had cut the liner edges to re-align them with clips, and be able to reuse the clips I think? Was so confusing. By undoing a few clips on each side including som eupper ones, I was able to gain a bit more stretch, and pulled the liner forward another inch+. I had to then pull the liner edge down to force it to contact the bumper again, and re-drilled new holes. The liner is cracking in a few spots where the previous holes were drilled, and those cracks might grow toward my new holes, and cause a full liner failure. But I'll deal with that when it happens!

 

[Drift Monkey]

So I got the lights installed and they look great. I'll try to add a picture today. What has me stumped is the fender liner.

The main post about this that all threads on t4r.org link to seems to be deleted. I've undone all the screws and clips on the liners. But when I push the liner forward, away from the tire and toward the bumper of course, it no longer reaches low enough to contact the bumper, and I can't see any way to make new screw holes if it isn't touching the bumper! I'll have to add pics today. Everyone does this mod so I'm either missing something or my truck is different. It's like a swing - because it's pivot point is fixed above where it's still attached, the bottom of the liner swings upward as I push it forward.

EDIT: I think I figured out why this has been stumping me. I believe the previous owner had already done a version of this mod, but I didn't realize it. After buying the truck, I put slightly larger tires and very slightly more negative wheels and this caused the rub to reappear, only when turning hard, and almost exclusively when backing up. He had ridge grapplers measuring something like 22.4 and these new KO2's are more like 22.7.

Anyway, When trying to push the liner more forward, I was finding no more room to do so, because it had already been done. The clips however were all in place, even the lower bottom ones, because whoever did this had cut the lines edges to re-align and be able to reuse the clips I think? Was so confusing. By undoing a few clips on each side including som eupper ones, I was able to gain a bit more stretch, and pulled the liner forward another inch+. I had to then pull the liner edge down to force it to contact the bumper again, and re-drilled new holes. The liner is cracking in a few spots where the previous holes were drilled, and those cracks might grow toward my new holes, and cause a full liner failure. But I'll deal with that when it happens!

Great job brotha!

Wow, that some confusing stuff. Maybe snaps some pics of the fogs and the fender liners. Worst comes to worst, you coulda always get a heat gun to gain some additional clearance - or just do like me and order a new front bumper! :lol:

Updated pic of my rig:

You can just see the SS3s peeping out hahaha.

 

[chaincleaner]

That’s a good tip about the heat gun- I have considered it! Your rig is looking great! Nice shiny new bumper. So here’s a quick and dirt phone shot of the fogs.

Just downloaded Tapatalk, and it will only let me upload poop quality photos. I also just installed xenon depot hids which I’m pretty happy about.

Trying to add photos of the liner but Tapatalk won’t let me upload AnYTHiNg NOW so I’ll try again later I guess!

Edit- forgot to mention, I installed my fogs further forward than you I think, which has it's trade offs. I primarily did that to try and maximize it's spread as I suspect the bezel(?) cover thing cuts off the edges. It's far enough forward though that while it shows less gap on the inside edge, it shows some exposed LED assembly on the outer edge. As you probably know, in order to install it further forward I had to place the metal bracket mount on an even area of plastic, so the mount does not sit level when tightened down. It worked like I hoped though, because simply tilting the light up compensates for that.

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[Drift Monkey]

That’s a good tip about the heat gun- I have considered it! Your rig is looking great! Nice shiny new bumper. So here’s a quick and dirt phone shot of the fogs.

Just downloaded Tapatalk, and it will only let me upload poop quality photos. I also just installed xenon depot hids which I’m pretty happy about.

Unfortunately I didn’t take pics while I had the liner unscrewed, so these won’t be much use. I reached my hand around with the phone to try and show a bit of what going on with the liner. Tapatalk won’t let me upload AnYTHiNg NOW so I’m gonna make a new post.



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I meant I ordered a steel bumper LOL! This bumper is kinda beat up - photographs decent though.

Dude, nice job! Looks great - try aiming yet?

 

[chaincleaner]

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

[emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787] Well in my defense the bumper does look pretty slick in that particular photo!! Haha. I was like, why did you get a new bumper?? I may end up with a steel bumper in the front and rear in the future also, which makes choosing the suspension set up now a bit more difficult, since I’m not sure. Who did you go with for the bumper? I think I might go with 4x4labs if I ever do it, possibly their diy weld together kit, great price. And maybe add their swing away bike rack. So many nice fabricators out there though.

Thanks, they do look pretty good! Haven’t tried aiming much yet as I haven’t gotten out at night other than to find a spot to aim my hid lo beams. Not really sure how I should aim the fogs and a YouTube search didn’t immediately yield much helpful info. I figure they should aim slightly downward of course. Any tips?


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[Drift Monkey]

[emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787] Well in my defense the bumper does look pretty slick in that particular photo!! Haha. I was like, why did you get a new bumper?? I may end up with a steel bumper in the front and rear in the future also, which makes choosing the suspension set up now a bit more difficult, since I’m not sure. Who did you go with for the bumper? I think I might go with 4x4labs if I ever do it, possibly their diy weld together kit, great price. And maybe add their swing away bike rack. So many nice fabricators out there though.

Thanks, they do look pretty good! Haven’t tried aiming much yet as I haven’t gotten out at night other than to find a spot to aim my hid lo beams. Not really sure how I should aim the fogs and a YouTube search didn’t immediately yield much helpful info. I figure they should aim slightly downward of course. Any tips?

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hahahahahhaha! It looks good in most photos - I guess it's just the white. I wouldn't fret too much on suspension choice - most fo the time if you do end up adding so much weight that it sags, there are longer/stiffer springs to swap out. The one I ordered is only ~90lbs so I doubt I'll see any actual sag for a bit. I went with True North's Hybrid Bumper for the front and am going to get a local fabricator to make me a rear tube bumper with a swingout (and probably skids) - trying to keep it relatively light. I'll probably end up with a second set of pods since that bumper has provisions for 4!

When you aim you low beams, just aim the fogs under them. I got the fogs to fill in the lower area the low beams don't cover.

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Something like this would work and then go out to a wall to verify they don't point too far upwards and cover as much as you can below the low beams.

 

[T4R416]

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.

Hey there which exact DT connectors would you get from DD.. sorry I see they have a few. And I’m kinda lost.. thanks a lot !

 

[Drift Monkey]

Hey there which exact DT connectors would you get from DD.. sorry I see they have a few. And I’m kinda lost.. thanks a lot !

DT to 9006

I think [MENTION=511763]chaincleaner[/MENTION] used those exact ones - not sure if he had to reverse the polarity on the DT. Probably not since it came straight from DD.

 

[Todapwr]

I installed my fog lamps the other day, I know with them being mounted to the plastic bumper it's going to move and flex but everytime I go over a bump the light will move/shake which is driving me nuts.

Anyone else having this issue?

 

[Drift Monkey]

I installed my fog lamps the other day, I know with them being mounted to the plastic bumper it's going to move and flex but everytime I go over a bump the light will move/shake which is driving me nuts.

Anyone else having this issue?

Mine have never moved out of place. Did you tighten the 2 screws that’s attach the brackets to the pods?

 

[Bumbo]

I'm really digging it... I went to their site wanting to get a small yellow light bar but it looks like they use a different color lens.

It's way more amber than the SAE/DOT Yellow units which are more pleasing to my eye.

I just don't want a round housing. I might just have to bite the bullet and go with Baja Designs but wanted to try these guys out. They look like they make decent stuff.

 

[Drift Monkey]

I'm really digging it... I went to their site wanting to get a small yellow light bar but it looks like they use a different color lens.

It's way more amber than the SAE/DOT Yellow units which are more pleasing to my eye.

I just don't want a round housing. I might just have to bite the bullet and go with Baja Designs but wanted to try these guys out. They look like they make decent stuff.

Thanks bro! Yeah, they use amber for their light bar lineup - should be an easy fix to make it yellow with some Metalcast yellow spray paint (I used their amber on my corners inside the headlight housing and it turned out pretty great) - at least that's my plan once I get around to getting a light bar someday.

DD makes different bezels for the SS3 lineup maybe give those a shot if you hate the round?

The difference between Baja and DD seems to be that SS3s actually give a brighter output while maintaining a nice sharp cutoff without any bleed, a well known issue for the Squadrons - also they have a wider pattern.

Check this out for more comparisons: The LED SAE J583 Fog Pod & Fog Light Review | Page 137 | Tacoma World

Even the selective yellow Sports out do the Baja/Rigid SAE offerings - much less the Pros lol - all for about $100+ less to boot.

 

[Bumbo]

[MENTION=117203]Drift Monkey[/MENTION]

I am not really interested in the SAE/DOT rating... i'm wanting to put this on my ATV (Raptor 700) in the front bumper as a primary drive light in the desert at night.

The yellow makes a massive difference in contrast in the sand as it doesn't blow out the highlights up close... and in dust conditions when compared to a bright white light.

I actually want the flood/spill, but want a separate housing so I can aim it differently than my fixed headlights which are 35 watt yellow HID.

 

[Drift Monkey]

[MENTION=117203]Drift Monkey[/MENTION]

I am not really interested in the SAE/DOT rating... i'm wanting to put this on my ATV (Raptor 700) in the front bumper as a primary drive light in the desert at night.

The yellow makes a massive difference in contrast in the sand as it doesn't blow out the highlights up close... and in dust conditions when compared to a bright white light.

I actually want the flood/spill, but want a separate housing so I can aim it differently than my fixed headlights which are 35 watt yellow HID.

Well, either way - I wouldn't count DD out lol - their other optics are equally impressive what what I've seen. I love yellow lights haha.

 

[Bumbo]

Well, either way - I wouldn't count DD out lol - their other optics are equally impressive what what I've seen. I love yellow lights haha.

That is true... and it's good to have more options on the market. There was a lack of SAE/DOT options and at more competitive prices.

BD and PIAA had a lock on the market and they were both really expensive.

I'm surprised the PIAA RF series light-bar isn't more popular, I really like them, but I think it's probably the cost that drive people away.

PIAA | Yellow RF Series Lights Auto