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Seasoned...
Joined: Sat Oct 21st, 2017
Location: Near The Pointy End , USA
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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?
Problem is there are very few Ford Vehicles that after 91' still offer factory wiring for after thought OEM upgrades. i.e. 86' Ford Escort with no fog light option shared similar harnesses, you could literally go pick up a set of the Marcell Fogs, an OEM switch, and all of the wiring was there. Since 91.. Ford started whittling out options if the intended vehicle wasn't going to have the option.. it was omitted from the build sheet of the harness. Back in 95, i worked on the prototype electrical portion of the 98 Ranger/Explorer program. I'd bet you the wiring isnt there. not even in sub harness form, it cost too much over the hundreds of thousands of harness. Anyway.., unless you are a Die-Hard stock Nazi and want to be limited to the stock options as far as lumens, power, beam patterns, or you just cant get over not having the stock aesthetics.
"Fog lights" really give you a minimal amount of light forward if mounted in the sense of factory positioning of the valance they're mounted in although you will get quite a bit better of a "cornering light" effect and a wider pattern within the first 15-20 ft of the truck but your long distance options dwindle excruciatingly quick. If its animals or just general distance you're really wanting. You could do the OEM fog lights and use them as an actual amber foglight if you would need it in your area, if not the clear lights will still give you a bit more down front.
Your bumper still has a nice spot for a 12" - 20" SR series spot/flood combo type light tucked in there well enough JUST for that deep spot affect when you want it. With a bit of work and patience, you could add a 2nd OEM switch for that light in the bezel too for such a mod and keep as much as the intended stock aesthetics inside at least so it doesn't look like the dash work was hacked. Have a bit of both worlds and cover ALL the bases.
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