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Old Bastard !
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I know this has probably been posted a lot on many forums which I've searched through but never found a good description of the job. I'm wanting to add factory fog lights to my 98 2.5 Ranger XLT. I remember asking on another forum and was told that the harnesses should be there by the headlights, and the switch plug should be behind the radio. But I don't have it, I believe if you got the 3.0 it may have had it. Plus I don't see any pins where the fog light relay would plug into. So basically it appears that I would need to get every wire associated with the fog light system from another 98 Ranger that has them to get them to work on mine. Is this doable? Are the fog lights tied into the GEM module? I like the factory look and don't really want some tacky aftermarket add on ones that look like they shouldn't be there. Ultimately I'm wanting to consider it because it helps with lighting around the wooded backroads here where I live. I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota R/T that has factory fog lights and I was amazed at how much difference it helped with lighting at night. But they do shut off when you turn the brights on. Do they do that on the Rangers too even though it seems to have a separate switch?
First, I don't know !
Next, if the wiring is there it should be a matter of getting a Radio Bezel with the Fog Light Switch and the correct go Lights from a few aftermarket Suppliers and do the wiring.
If you want just the Exterior look and not worried about the Interior Switch look then buy a set of the correct Fog Lights, from maybe LMC, mount them and get the valance, mount that, mount the aftermarket switch and do the wiring.
There are wiring How-Tos that can be applied to Fog Lights or any aftermarket Lighting so go for it, just take you time and do it right the first time.
One thing... if your truck is not wired from the factory for Fogs, then you will need to add in your own Harness anyway, start with the idea of the home-Made Harness and you will come out ahead. Ford uses a different method of switching there Fog Lights, one thing is they us a negative switching system on a lot of there light so you need to watch that and double check every wire ahead of time OR use an aftermarket or Home-Made Harness... with Relay and Fusing per How-To's.
Last but not least, Buggman used to make a Harness that change over the OEM Switch to work with an aftermarket Lighting, you may want to contact him and see if he still makes the harness, that is IF you want to run the OEM Switches.
On my "03 Ranger, I will be using all aftermarket switches and my own harnessing because I don't like Factory Harnesses and Ford's ideas on wiring. I will be mounting in two places, one - converting the Cubby Hole under the Radio/Heater Controls to a switch box and adding four of five switches there and two - built in on the overhead console inlace of the display. There are plenty of places to add switches to the interior but that is your call.
Remember, LED Fogs usually draw far less current than incandescent Bulbs (OEM Style) so make sure to size your component accordingly. Once wired for higher current bulbs, you can always switch to LEDs and less current but you can't go the other way.
Post some pics of the Radio Bezel ?
Last edited on Mon Mar 26th, 2018 10:37 am by Scrambler82
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Ltr,
2003 EDGE, Std Cab, Steppie, E4 Red, 5sp, 4x
5" SuperLift, 33" x 12.50 x 15"
Hurst Shifter
Mod'd Backrack to fit Steppie
Front and Rear Bumpers by Custom 4x4 Fabrication, OK; now Mike's Welding and Fabrication.
Working on more Mods, just need more time, longer days would work !