HID foglight conversion in 06+ (reflector-type), good idea?

[cmpcmp123]

I am looking to buy an 06+ 4th gen 4runner and would like to do an HID conversion on the low-beams and fogs. From what I am reading, the low-beams are pretty straight forward. Although they are halogen projectors, HIDs seem to work well especially with the squirrel finder mod.

My question is about the fogs. I really need the fogs for their intended purpose; driving through fog and snow. I would get the 3K temp as I do feel the yellow helps with visibility. I realize the 06+ fogs have a halogen reflector, and it is usually advised to not put HIDs in halogen reflectors. But, maybe it is different because the fogs are aligned differently? I found this great article on what makes a good foglight:

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

So, people who have put 3K HIDs in their fogs, was it worth it? Do you notice they are an improvement in inclement weather? Can they be aimed correctly to see "through" fog and snow?

Thanks!

 

[AfroWookie]

I've got an 06 and I put HIDs in the headlights and fogs. Like you, I went with yellow in the fogs because I liked the look and because they are better in fog and rain. Here's a picture of the fogs by themselves and a picture of the fogs and headlights together

 

[cmpcmp123]

Do you notice a lot of glare? The more I read, the more I am turning away from HID fogs. I use my fogs but it is still just a fraction of the time compared to low-beams. Might not be worth the price. Have also read that HID light is not the best for fogs, even in the 3K kelvin range. Maybe a pair of good yellow bulbs, I have heard good things about Hoen Endurance bulbs. I would still like to hear opinions on HID fogs in 06+ 4runners though.

 

[AfroWookie]

I love mine, I have them on all the time, even when I don't have the headlights on. I notice zero glare. They really help out when driving in the rain. They make seeing the lines much easier for me

 

[cmpcmp123]

From what I'm reading there really are no good non-HID options. I've heard poor reviews of the yellow-tinted halogen bulbs. The other option is lamin-x vinyl covers, which also seem to get mixed reviews.

Anyone else have HID fogs with experience in fog and snow?

 

[xpeppyx]

I've got 3k HID's in my fogs and love them. I usually have them on all the time with my HID low beams. They are great in bad weather and fog. They were worth the price for me.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

I've heard nothing but good of both HID and yellow lamin-x film. What you should do, though, is swap to HID and retro-fit projectors in the fog housings. I don't think I've seen anyone do that before!

 

[xpeppyx]

I've thought about putting Morimoto Matchbox 2.0 bi-xenon projectors in my fog lights and confirmed the last time I was in the TRS shop that they would fit. I have another more complex lighting project I'm trying to make work that should be pretty unique though.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

I've thought about putting Morimoto Matchbox 2.0 bi-xenon projectors in my fog lights and confirmed the last time I was in the TRS shop that they would fit. I have another more complex lighting project I'm trying to make work that should be pretty unique though.

Git 'er done and up here then!

 

[cloudrunner]

I've got 10k HIDs in my high beams, low beams and fog lights. I love them!

 

[zopperman]

I've got 10k HIDs in my high beams, low beams and fog lights. I love them!

Why....?

10k you lose half the output. HIDs suck in high beams unless you have digital ballasts and even if you do, they still take a few seconds to warm up

 

[gshadow325]

Why....?

10k you lose half the output. HIDs suck in high beams unless you have digital ballasts and even if you do, they still take a few seconds to warm up

Because 10k is better than yours and Hid in high beams has brag rights lol

 

[ebg18t]

Because 10k is better than yours and Hid in high beams has brag rights lol

Why....?

10k you lose half the output. HIDs suck in high beams unless you have digital ballasts and even if you do, they still take a few seconds to warm up

Purple hid's are rampant in FL.

 

[cmpcmp123]

After reading this thread (and others) over at candlepower forums Fog Lights Revisited
it seems that...

1) HIDs in fogs are not a good idea if you truly plan to use them in heavy fog and snow, especially in a reflector housing. I have also read that HID light is inferior to halogen light for fogs, even if a 3k HID is used. Not really sure why though; glare?

2) There is no good selective-yellow halogen bulb on the market. The recommendation seems to be a good white bulb with the Duplicolor yellow coats.

3) The lamin-x vinyl covers are an option but reduce total light output significantly. They seem to recommend the duplicolor spray paint method.

 

[AfroWookie]

Dude, I'm telling you, the area I live in has had it's worst winter that I can remember for snowfall. I've driven in the day time and night time while it's been snowing and my HID yellow fog lights have been nothing short of life savers for me. I'm not sure there's anyway possible to get rid of the glare altogether, but these fogs sure do a damn good job of it. They help me see much more than my HID headlights

 

[cloudrunner]

Why....?

10k you lose half the output. HIDs suck in high beams unless you have digital ballasts and even if you do, they still take a few seconds to warm up

I take that back, they're actually 8k. I really like the bluish hue and they are still plenty bright. I am going to supplement them soon with some dually d2 ditch lights, just not sure if I want the driving or wide beam pattern.