Need recommendations for aftermarket lighting

[Danager]

Because it makes a cool photo.

This seems pretty practical. And again, total cost here is less than most of the BD fog light setups you see on teh socialz.

Can I run these on the highway with oncoming traffic, or in fog or snow?

The point is - the answer to “which lights should I get?” Doesn’t have just one answer. It has a lot of follow up questions.

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[Wes Siler]

Can I run these on the highway with oncoming traffic, or in fog or snow?

The point is - the answer to “which lights should I get?” Doesn’t have just one answer. It has a lot of follow up questions.

Of course it does. But asking questions will always lead to more answers than name calling. And who knows, if we ask ourselves questions, maybe we can even all learn from each other.

It's illegal to run any non dot approved lights on any public roads. Some states even ban the practice of leaving them off, but uncovered. And obviously blinding other drivers is a dick move.

There are some compliant fog lights available. From my admittedly limited experience with them, all they add is cost.

But, the halogen headlamps on the Ranger suck. And all those aftermarket LED replacement bulbs are a total scam.

This is the best argument out there for spending up to a Lariat.

My own solution is admittedly not applicable to most drivers. I live in a very remote region, and travel to even more remote places. So, by triggering my big driving lights with the high beam stalk, I am able to use them safely and responsibly in daily driving. People who live in cities and suburbs won't be able to do that. Even the silly little light pods are illegal, and will blind other drivers.

Has anyone found another solution?

 

[Wes Siler]

Another question that would probably add a ton of value is: what's the best mount for locating a pair of real driving lights in front of an otherwise stock Ranger's grill? I've never kept the oe bumper.

 

[Danager]

Of course it does. But asking questions will always lead to more answers than name calling. And who knows, if we ask ourselves questions, maybe we can even all learn from each other.

It's illegal to run any non dot approved lights on any public roads. Some states even ban the practice of leaving them off, but uncovered. And obviously blinding other drivers is a dick move.

There are some compliant fog lights available. From my admittedly limited experience with them, all they add is cost.

But, the halogen headlamps on the Ranger suck. And all those aftermarket LED replacement bulbs are a total scam.

This is the best argument out there for spending up to a Lariat.

My own solution is admittedly not applicable to most drivers. I live in a very remote region, and travel to even more remote places. So, by triggering my big driving lights with the high beam stalk, I am able to use them safely and responsibly in daily driving. People who live in cities and suburbs won't be able to do that. Even the silly little light pods are illegal, and will blind other drivers.

Has anyone found another solution?

When I was researching lights, I did find this:

 

[Wes Siler]

When I was researching lights, I did find this:

Which lights does that apply to? Do they provide a lux distance?

 

[Danager]

Which lights does that apply to? Do they provide a lux distance?

It applies to their SS3 pod lights.
Here is a snapshot of some of the tech specs for these lights.

 

[Wes Siler]

So DD doesn't provide a lux distance, which is always a warning sign. Lying through omission, and all that.

BUT, BD has tested them as part of their new effort to lie a little less. Well, they haven't tested the SAE versions as far as I can see, but they have tested the SS3 Pro Spot. It does 450yds. The SAE is likely half that or less.

450yds, in amber, would be a decent fog light for driving very slow in very difficult conditions, provided they have a good vertical cut off. But in that whole time/distance/speed thing, you're getting 14 secs of vision at 65 mph. $250/pair at current internet prices. Not the worst I've seen, but probably not enough performance to really make them life changing.

 

[Wes Siler]

So DD doesn't provide a lux distance, which is always a warning sign. Lying through omission, and all that.

BUT, BD has tested them as part of their new effort to lie a little less. Well, they haven't tested the SAE versions as far as I can see, but they have tested the SS3 Pro Spot. It does 450yds. The SAE is likely half that or less.

450yds, in amber, would be a decent fog light for driving very slow in very difficult conditions, provided they have a good vertical cut off. But in that whole time/distance/speed thing, you're getting 14 secs of vision at 65 mph. $250/pair at current internet prices. Not the worst I've seen, but probably not enough performance to really make them life changing.

And let's compare that to the Rigid D Series Pro Spot, which only provide a pathetic 270yds at 1 lux for about the same price.

And the BD Squadron Pro which does 340yds, again in same $ ballpark.

And the Lightforce Rok40 spots which do about 200 yds for $185.

Winner of the silly little pod light shootout: Diode Dynamics.

 

[Wes Siler]

Oh, and we should include the KC Flex Era 4, which does ~650yds, albeit for about $650. That's starting to get into genuinely useful performance, but obviously can't compete with the Lightforce Strikers, or any other larger driving lights. Good option for people who don't drive over 45 or so at night, and who are struggling to mount larger lights.

 

[shaketxavius]

Hi All. I want to add some light to the Tremor but there is just too much info out there on different brands. I want to add:

1) ditch lights to be controlled by one of the uplifter switches
2) better fog light to be controlled by the stock light switch
3) a light bar / bars in the bumper - two in the little slots (I think they are 6 inches or so) and a 20 incher in the middle, if it won't interfere with the cruise control. Also to be controlled by an uplifter switch.
4) bed lights to be controlled by by an uplifter switch if they will work with the power turned off, or direct wired to the battery with a switch in the bed if not.

It looks like Diode Dynamics makes good stuff but I'm open to suggestions. I want to get good stuff so cost is not really much of an issue.

Thanks!!!

I just recently installed the Rough Country 20 inch light bar in the bumper. It unfortunately doesn't work with the ACC. https://www.roughcountry.com/ford-20in-led-bumper-kit-70814c.html?find=2019-ford-ranger-4wd-740016

Diode Dynamics provides a solution that is designed to work with the ACC by splitting the light where it is. https://www.diodedynamics.com/stage-series-led-lightbar-kit-for-2019-2021-ford-ranger.html

Seems like they may be out of stock in several things right now, but I'm sure if you give it a bit they'll have them back in.

For the small sections above this, Rough country sells a kit specifically made for those. https://www.roughcountry.com/ford-r...t-70829.html?find=2019-ford-ranger-4wd-740016

I would love to put them on, but it would mean cutting into the bumper, which I don't really want to do. .

 

[9zero1790]

And you are not wrong.

But that was never the point.

Verbal judo we call it at work. You suck at it. So it doesn't matter if there is validity to the message when the messenger is about enjoyable to debate/discuss/inquire with as running a cactus down my butt crack.

i added to ignore already lol.

 

[Superspirit]

i added to ignore already lol.

I've seriously been considering that. Might make the thread more useful.

 

[OFC Ranger]

i added to ignore already lol.

Nah don't do that. There is validity in what he is saying, he just sucks badly at articulation. That and the obtuse feigning to try and bait people into moderator action is half-way clever in a juvenile sort of way. I say that as someone who still bellows out laughs at farts in movies.

My guess is he has just forgotten his roots and is a little to into his own legend at this point in the game. I can't imagine he was always like this, but I could be wrong.

 

[The Tremor]

I just recently installed the Rough Country 20 inch light bar in the bumper. It unfortunately doesn't work with the ACC. https://www.roughcountry.com/ford-20in-led-bumper-kit-70814c.html?find=2019-ford-ranger-4wd-740016

Diode Dynamics provides a solution that is designed to work with the ACC by splitting the light where it is. https://www.diodedynamics.com/stage-series-led-lightbar-kit-for-2019-2021-ford-ranger.html

Seems like they may be out of stock in several things right now, but I'm sure if you give it a bit they'll have them back in.

For the small sections above this, Rough country sells a kit specifically made for those. https://www.roughcountry.com/ford-r...t-70829.html?find=2019-ford-ranger-4wd-740016

I would love to put them on, but it would mean cutting into the bumper, which I don't really want to do. .

Thanks I'll check them out.

 

[Baja Designs]

Hi All. I want to add some light to the Tremor but there is just too much info out there on different brands. I want to add:

1) ditch lights to be controlled by one of the uplifter switches
2) better fog light to be controlled by the stock light switch
3) a light bar / bars in the bumper - two in the little slots (I think they are 6 inches or so) and a 20 incher in the middle, if it won't interfere with the cruise control. Also to be controlled by an uplifter switch.
4) bed lights to be controlled by by an uplifter switch if they will work with the power turned off, or direct wired to the battery with a switch in the bed if not.

It looks like Diode Dynamics makes good stuff but I'm open to suggestions. I want to get good stuff so cost is not really much of an issue.

Thanks!!!

Hey @The Tremor, If you are in the market for aftermarket lighting upgrades I would consider Baja Designs. Not only do all of our products have a lifetime warranty we are also one of the few companies that are not made in China. We have all the options listed in your post for this vehicle which includes different lens patterns as well as amber or clear options. If you select a lens pattern and find you are in search of lighting in a different area all of our lights come with a full Uservice option which allows the lens to be swapped out. In addition, we sell a direct fog light kit for your truck allowing for a simple plug-and-play installation so you can use the factory function. All of our other lights come with the option to purchase a wiring harness specifically designed to wire directly into the aux connections on your truck. All of our lights are IP69K rated which means they are fully waterproof. Below are some links to some options you can browse for the needs you are looking for.

Baja Designs Ford Ranger Fog Light Kit:

Baja Designs Squadron SAE
Baja Designs Squadron Sport
Baja Designs Squadron Pro

Baja Designs Ditch Light Kit:

Baja Designs Squadron Sport
Baja Designs Squadron Pro

Baja Designs Light Bar Kit:

Baja Designs S8 Light Bar
Baja Designs ONX6+ Light Bar

Baja Designs Bed Light Kit:

Baja Designs Universal Rock Light

For any questions feel free to give us a call at (760)560-2252 or send an email to [email protected]​

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