Diode Dynamics SS3 Ditch Lights and SS2 Driving Lights Installed

[v8 goat]

I finally got a chance to install my front facing lights - not sure what if anything I’ll do for the rear yet. I used SS3 combo lights (driving/fog) for the ditch lights and M&R brackets. The lower lights are SS2s (driving pattern). I fabricated my own brackets for that. All in all, it was a pretty simple and straightforward install and process.

I also used DDs wiring harnesses and wired all the lights to the aux switches. Here are a few night pictures - sorry for the dirty truck!

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[SurfRanger]

Love the low SS2s. Any better pics on how u mounted those using a custom bracket? / how it bolted into the truck there?

 

[John E Davies]

I am confused, ditch lights are supposed to point down at an angle at the sides of the trail. They are not driving lights. Yours are just lighting up the hood which will wreck your night vision and cause rain or dust to block your view.

https://www.kchilites.com/campfire/post/ditch-lights-101

If they are just bling, then it doesn’t matter where they point. Decades ago, when everybody was hanging those $20 driving lights off their bumpers, most of them ended up drooping down and pointing directly in front of the vehicle. And one or more of the lenses was invariably broken. I always found that amusing…

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[yoopercharged]

Have you used adaptive cruise since installing the SS2's in your lower grill?

 

[NickyFlippers]

Have you used adaptive cruise since installing the SS2's in your lower grill?

They might be in for a heck of a surprise when they do. ?

 

[SurfRanger]

Have you used adaptive cruise since installing the SS2's in your lower grill?

I had the dual 6in lightbar kit from DD on my 5th gen ranger. They went on either side of the radar just like how he has them and never had any issues so i wouldnt expect op to have any issues as well.

 

[v8 goat]

Love the low SS2s. Any better pics on how u mounted those using a custom bracket? / how it bolted into the truck there?

There are already holes in the bumper that I used - 4 of them. The trim piece that surrounds the opening has clips to hold it in place. I removed those clips and used 5/16” stainless hardware to ‘hang’ 1/4 x 1” flat bar approximately 1/2” below the plastic trim piece. I then drilled holes in the flat bar at the appropriate places for both the bolts to hold the flat bar in place and holes to mount the lights. It truly was a pretty basic setup. The good part is that absolutely nothing about it is permanent or required modification to the truck. And I only spent about $40 in addition to the cost of the lights.

Sorry for the dirty truck - lots of bugs. This wasn’t the final location - it was a test fit. I added stainless tubing over the bolt and painted it black. There are also washers above and below the bumper that aren’t shown here.

 

[v8 goat]

I had the dual 6in lightbar kit from DD on my 5th gen ranger. They went on either side of the radar just like how he has them and never had any issues so i wouldnt expect op to have any issues as well.

You are correct. The ACC still works as it should!

 

[v8 goat]

I am confused, ditch lights are supposed to point down at an angle at the sides of the trail. They are not driving lights. Yours are just lighting up the hood which will wreck your night vision and cause rain or dust to block your view.

https://www.kchilites.com/campfire/post/ditch-lights-101

If they are just bling, then it doesn’t matter where they point. Decades ago, when everybody was hanging those $20 driving lights off their bumpers, most of them ended up drooping down and pointing directly in front of the vehicle. And one or more of the lenses was invariably broken. I always found that amusing…

John Davies
Spokane WA

I use the ditch lights now for illumination on my property - not for driving. The lens is a combo lens from DD (driving and fog), so even aimed as they currently are, they cast light both straight ahead and at a very wide angle. I even use them to play basketball at night with the kids! I have a small tool kit I put under the rear seat with everything I would need to adjust the lights when necessary. They’re currently aimed where I will use them often, and when I hit the trails, they can be quickly adjusted. They do add a bit of bling too - the amber backlighting is a nice touch I use when the main light isn’t illuminated.

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