I am looking to install a good fog light set in my 1996 4Runner. I dont know what my options are at this time, so I am looking for opinions from people who have done it themselves. I am not looking for hard mods, just good do it yourself kits.

All opinions and advice on product, where to get it, how to install it, is greatly appreciated.

 

Performance products sells a hella kit that is for 96-98 runners. I got it and installed it myself. It was pretty straight forward from the directions it came with. The nice part is that the wiring harness is all set up for you and it was pretty much plug and play. it also comes with the OEM switch and it fits perfect in the dash and looks factory installed. It is pricey at 150, but it was simple to install with some minor trimming on the front valance. You do have to pull the front valance off which was the hardest part.

 

cool, I will check that one out.

 

has any found a foglight that actually works well in fog?

 

I added the factory fog light kit from Toyota (the Hella Micro DE's) to my 2000 SR5 simply for the convenience. I changed the stock H3 bulbs with Hella Yellowstars and noticed an good improvement in contrast. But too many people think that fog lights will give you better distance and are disappointed with the wide, short throw they give. BTW, I'm using Silverstars as my regular headlights and, when the fog glare gets bad, I'll kick the headlights down to DRL's and let the fog lights do their thing. Works for me.

 

I now have a foglight kit on my site for 96-98's. They give off a yellow color and I think that is the best color you want for fogs. Yellow works the best to light up the road.

 

Here are a few pics of the fog lights as well as a wiring diagram....
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...61295237OvPRqj

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...61295434pnGQzh

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...67293742GvmEHo

The fog lights I bought were like $25 made by Peterson Manufacturing, similar to the Pilot brand. They are 55 watts and do quite nice. I cut out some of my front valence to fit them in, it was very easy and looks decent too. As far as performance they do what they're meant to. I would agree that an amber/yellow color would be best. Also, if you look at the lens of a foglight it should have vertical lines only, so as to throw the light wide, but next to nothing for up and down. If I was to recommend a light I'd say Hella 550's in the amber color. I just didn't want to drop the money on them at the time, but plan on upgrading in the near future. I should also note that in fog/heavy snow my fog lights are very helpful, especially for seeing the lines on the road, but I have Sylvania Silverstars as my main lights and they are such a white light that all I see is a wall of white in front of me. Good luck!

 

you've gotta pick a shape first(square, circle and how big) then sealed beam? or projector type?, than you pick location, do you want it inside the grill of front bumper or exposed? for your year, I would recommend square ones like the hellas in factory location. When it comes down to it, it's all about how much you can spend.

If I had to go with fog lights, my personal choice would be CATZ MSPs
I had it in my old Prelude and absolutely LOVED it. Unique projector inside with wide beam pattern, nice horizontal cutoff lines(WAY better than factory 99-02 Hellla Micro DE's). Put 100watt bulbs in and the color will amaze you. Best compact fog lights ever made by CATZ.

I spent around $200-230 when it first came out but you can buy new ones off of Ebay for around $80-$100 now.

here's "Piss Yellow"


here's a "Hyper White" version with clear lens


and here "Illegal Blue"

 

I bought a set of OEM lights brand new off of ebay.

 

Thanks for all the tips guys. the bayarea and tahoe is notorious for fog, so I want something that will actually work well, vs look cool.

2001Milrunner, how do the catz mount, is it a do it yourself job or take it to a tech?

 

mine:


optilux 1000's.

very easy to install kit.

 

There was a lot of trouble with those Hella micro's! I had them as well as a LOT of other people on here. The housing corodes easily, and allows water into the lights, causing them to quit working. that was my first mod, had it for about 4 mo. then they crapped out. I don't know if Hella changed the design, but I remember PP not refunding money for them, and neither did hella.

 

ive got the PIAA fog lights. they work very well in fog. the previous owner bought them and installed them. they are located in the factory place on my 2000. they make a few different ones. but im pretty sure this is the ones ive got: http://www.piaa.com/Lamps/Lamp-pages/004xt.html

 

It's an easy intall, definately a DIY You've prolly got friends that can install for you. I would not pay $50-$80 for something that simple