2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Fog Light Insert Questions

[Got Smoke?]

Ok I have 2 different friends with Ram's who have only the inserts in their bumpers, no fog lights. Either one has agreed to give them to me since they aren't being used.



Now for the sad part ... .....



I call my buddy down at the local stealership parts house, and before you go bashing the stealership parts guys THIS GUY know's his stuff!



Well I call him and explain my situation, and he tells me that its pointless because the factory fog lights will not fit in a truck that has just the inserts. :-{}



He said that the inserts that have fog lights and the inserts that don't are completely different. Now is he full of BS for a change, or is he telling the truth?



Also, who makes some good aftermarket lights that fit the factory inserts?



Thanks,

Mark

 

[B.G. Smith]

Inserts

You finally found one who is right. The factory lights come with a set of inserts which are different than the ones that come in a truck w/o fog lights. Can't help you with the other question. bg

 

[Fireman Dave]

I don't know about the '97s, but... .



I put the factory fog lights in mine - which didn't come with them. Yes, the inserts are different, but I just took my existing ones and trimmed the holes out to accommodate the lights. They turned out very well, and it's hard to tell I did it unless you look closely.

 

[Got Smoke?]

I think I'm going to get the inserts and then see where I go from there.



Can the inserts be removed without taking the bumper off?

 

[24V-DSL]

bg and your dealer friend are correct....

I take it you don't have any inserts at all?? www.PIAA.com may have some small driving or fog lights that will fit the smaller hole inserts you're talking about. PIAA 510's fit the factory fog-light option insert holes perfect.



I bought the insert from the dealer and installed the 510's. Don't know about your truck, but on the 01 you have to remove the bumper to install the insert.

 

[JGK]

On my '98 I had to remove the bumper to work over the inserts for fog lights. Basically, you just cut off some of the "cone" so the hole is bigger.



Catz MSC lights work real well as an alternative to the factory lights, and are high quality. At one time, Catz was giving TDR members a discount, but I don't know if it is still in effect. The only down side is you have to build some sort of mounting bracket.



-Jay

 

[VicR]

Spare Set

I have a spare set from a spare fog-light equipped bumper that I have. PM me if you want the part number or want dimensions, etc.



-Vic

 

[Got Smoke?]

Re: Spare Set

Originally posted by Vic R

I have a spare set from a spare fog-light equipped bumper that I have. PM me if you want the part number or want dimensions, etc.



-Vic

How 'bout the spare set itself?

 

[tntway]

question for 24V-DSL.....

did you have to add any bracing or anything???... . do the 510's mount in the same fashion as the factory fogs?

my factory fogs quit and i could add the 510's and have them wired separately... ..... TIA, Tim

 

[24V-DSL]

Tim...tntway

The inserts don't require any other bracing. I don't know about the 510's mounting as I didn't have factory fogs before. My truck didn't have either inserts. The install was done by the shop because they made me a free labor deal, including R&R of the bumper. The 510's have a mounting kit, but I don't know anything about it. The install was not complicated, and the 510's are a perfect fit.



If you're going to use the PIAA's I recommend you notice the difference between the "Super white driving" lenses, and the ION crystal fog lenses. I've got the driving lenses, but had the ION crystal fog on a different truck.



I like the driving lenses better because they provide brighter coverage approx. 10 feet out in front of the truck, from side to side. The ION fogs aren't as bright, until you get into foggy conditions, which I rarely did. I was amazed at the difference if I turn them off and just run low beams... . you'll become dependant on them.



The www.piaa.com site says that the driving lenses should be dimmed with the high beams. The shop installs lots of these lenses, and convinced me that because of their location, and correct aiming, they would not be offensive to oncoming. I have only been flashed by two vehicles over many miles, and noticed as they went by they were very seriously lowered ricers.