Thursday, March 5, 2015

Cheap Fog Lights for 4runner sr5.


I decided to add some fog lights in my 4runner. I have future plan of adding armor bumper, most likely an ARB but for now I am happy with the stock bumper in other words, I don't have money to buy it now. The SR5 model was not equipped with the fog lamps.  The price of genuine fog lamp is around $450 a piece. This means going OEM was surely not an option for my poor pocket. After searching on internet, I came across another website which are selling fog lights for 3rd gen 4runners for $170 (also available on ebay Fog lights ) but again it was pricey for me keeping in mind that I would be changing my front bumper. 

So after some more searching on internet, I saw some eagle eye lights, like this one (Example Eagle Eye Led Light). Then, I start searching for similar eagle eye lights in bigger size. Finally, I came across this LED light. 10W LED Eagle Eye. After checking size of this light, I thought why not give it a try as it seems to fit in fine in 2" diameter hole of fog lamps in my 4runner. For under $17 a pair there will be no harm if they didn't fit in there. 

So, I placed order for a set in black. It took about 3 weeks to get them from China. For wiring I decided to buy 4 lights wiring harness as I was planning to add some led lights as DRLs. DRL would help stock headlights during night driving as they are just ok as stock. Later, I ordered these lights from Amazon for $30 a pair (after new bumper they will be used as reverse lights) and 4 lights wire relay harness was purchased for $16. Also bought some clear silicone caulk from Lowes for under $4 to use as extra safety against water and mainly to cover the hole which I will be making in firewall to pass cable from engine to inside of truck.    

So, total cost of fog lights plus DRLs/Offroad lights = $67. So, if you want to follow my foot steps and just want to add fog lights it will be less than $37.  

Installation of Fog lights

When fog lights arrived, first I tested them with 12W ac to dc adopter and they worked. They were bright and spot beam. Wires attached to the lights were skinny. If I would do it again, I might change the wire on the lights with some better gauge wires. 

Eagle Eye Led Light




Next step was to check the installation of this lights. When I tried to push them from back of bumper they didn't go in. There was slight difference in size, the head of light was slighter bigger than hole for fog lights. I was little disappointed as now I was thinking of making some brackets to hold the lights against that hole. After checking closely at light, I tried to open the light from front by just twisting it like you open a jar. It worked, lens and black housing around it came off. Now, I could see the led inside it. I also noticed a small gap b/w the top housing and led back frame maybe couple of mms. I tried test fitting it. Light was inside the bumper hole without lens cover and it housing. Then I tried to put the lens cover and housing back on it as you close the jar. Bazingaa!!! Perfect fit. Sturdy..not moving even a little bit. I felt it didn't close all the way but it was enough to hold it there like 85% of threads were back on. Silicon was used there to make sure all possible gaps are closed. I put some silicon on threads as well.

Next step was wiring...and moment of joy. Cheap and working fog light for under $40. 

After 3 month of use they are working fine. (Not Offroad tested) 

Pictures of mounting and illumination.



Distance b/w bumper and wall/door is about 5 feet.




Comparison of Lights

Without Fog Lights and headlights on low beam.



DRL Only





Wire Harness for 4 lights with two buttons - Price $18







Disclaimer: It is my first post...I know..just relax. Your are responsible for your actions, reactions and risk involve. Writer is not responsible for any mishaps occurs if you follow my route. 

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