Author: TotalZParts.com

Purchase an SCT or Bully Dog Performance Programmer Device between December 4th and December 31st, 2023, and receive a $40 manufacturer rebate. Purchase your tuner from TotalZParts.com by December 31st, 2023 and submit your proof of purchase by January 20, 2024 to receive your rebate gift card. See below for different rebate amounts on on the full line of Bully Dog & SCT products.

Bully Dog Rebate Form
SCT Rebate Form

LiveWire TS+ (5015P, 5416P) = $40
BDX (40470, 40490): $40
X4 (7015, 7416, 7215) = $40
GT Gas (40417): $40
GT Diesel (40420): $40

SCT and Bully Dog programmers allow you to write an optimized performance program to your vehicle, which enhances your engine’s power output and efficiency. After plugging the device into your OBDII port (on the dash, under the steering wheel on most vehicles), the programmer will direct you through a process where it will update itself if needed, back up your vehicle’s factory program, and then begin writing its own performance program.

All vehicles come with a comparatively “tame” program from the factory, but many drivers don’t realize that there’s more power that’s waiting to be unlocked. Along with enhancing the throttle curve for more responsive acceleration, the SCT & Bully Dog performance programs will optimize your engine’s timing and shift points to give you optimal power, while still maintaining drive-ability and fuel efficiency when needed. SCT & Bully Dog technicians work hard to develop fine tuned, octane-based performance tune files for the Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and GMC vehicles that these devices support.

For gas vehicles, the pre-loaded tunes are based on fuel octane level (87, 91, and 93 octane), with the highest octane allowing for the biggest horsepower and torque gains. For diesel vehicles, most devices have “street”, “performance”, “tow” and “extreme” tunes pre-loaded, which optimize your diesel’s power output depending on your preferred driving parameters. Finally, these devices will allow you to individually adjust various options. These adjustable options include speedometer calibration (for tire size changes), axle ratio, rev limiter, speed limiter, transmission shift points, transmission shift firmness, AFM/DoD (Active Fuel Management, otherwise known as Displacement on Demand), spark timing, idle speed, and more. *Please note that the available adjustable options vary depending on the year, model and engine of your car or truck, so be sure to call or email us to ask which options are available if you’re needing to make a specific adjustment.

Attention Toyota and Lexus owners! If you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle’s suspension, then you won’t want to miss out on this promotion. TotalZParts.com is offering a 15% discount on all Icon Vehicle Dynamics suspension products and lift kits through the end of May 2023. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the products offered by Icon Vehicle Dynamics for Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota 4Runner, and Lexus GX models, and explain why they’re a worthwhile upgrade over stock equipment.

Let’s start with the adjustable lift kits. Icon Vehicle Dynamics offers a range of lift kits to suit your needs. Their Stage 1 kit includes adjustable front coilover shocks and 2.0 Aluminum Series rear IFP shocks. The front coilovers allow you to adjust front lift height, and offer a substantial improvement in overall damping, handling and ride quality versus stock suspension. This kit provides improved off-road performance and a more aggressive stance, while staying under the $2,000 price range. The Stage 2 kit includes all the components of the Stage 1 kit, but adds a set of front tubular upper control arms, a set of rear springs to further improve ride quality and handling, and upgraded 2.0 Aluminum Series rear internal reservoir shocks. The Stage 2 kit is ideal for serious off-road enthusiasts who desire extra performance and durability while keeping under the $3,000 price range.

Moving up to the Stage 3 kit, this is designed for extreme off-road use. It includes all the components of the Stage 2 kit, but adds extended travel front coilovers for more vertical movement while off-roading. The Tacoma Stage 3 kit adds heavy duty 1.5″ rear leaf springs, while the 4Runner/GX460/GX470 kit adds tubular rear lower control arms which offer increased strength, improved geometry, and pinion angle adjustment. These upgrades provide increased strength and durability, allowing for even more aggressive off-road driving. The Stage 4 kit takes things up another notch, with a focus on high-speed off-road driving. It includes all the components of the Stage 3 kit, but adds more refined external reservoir front coilovers, and external reservoir rear shocks for even more improved damping and handling at higher speeds.

For the ultimate in off-road performance, the Stage 5 kit is the way to go. It includes all the components of the Stage 4 kit, but adds even larger 2.5-inch diameter rear shocks, which provide even better damping and handling. As with the Stage 2, 3, and 4 kits, you can also opt for billet aluminum upper control arms, which are stronger and more rigid than the tubular control arms. This kit is designed for serious off-road enthusiasts who demand the best performance possible.

Now, let’s talk about the upper control arms, which are available on their own and do not need to be purchased with a kit. Icon Vehicle Dynamics offers a range of upper control arms to suit your needs. Their tubular upper control arms provide improved suspension geometry and allow for increased wheel travel. They are also lighter and more rigid than the stock arms, providing better handling and responsiveness. The billet aluminum upper control arms take things even further, providing maximum strength and rigidity for the most demanding off-road use.

These control arms are designed to improve the suspension geometry, handling, and durability of your vehicle. The control arms are made from high-strength materials such as billet aluminum and steel, which provide excellent strength and rigidity, ensuring that they can handle the stresses of off-road driving.

One of the primary benefits of Icon’s Upper Control Arms is their adjustability. They come with a range of adjustability that allows you to fine-tune your vehicle’s suspension to your desired settings. The adjustable design helps to correct the suspension geometry, providing better alignment, handling, and performance. Additionally, these control arms have a larger ball joint than the stock control arms, which provides improved strength and durability, and allows for increased articulation.

In addition to their adjustability, Icon’s Upper Control Arms also feature polyurethane bushings that are specifically designed to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. The bushings are also greaseable, allowing you to maintain their performance and extend their lifespan. Finally, Icon’s Upper Control Arms are designed to be a direct bolt-on replacement for the stock control arms, meaning that they can be easily installed without any modifications to your vehicle. Overall, Icon’s Upper Control Arms provide a significant upgrade to your vehicle’s suspension, improving its handling, durability, and performance.

Finally, let’s discuss the front coilovers. Icon Vehicle Dynamics offers a range of front coilovers to suit your needs. Their adjustable coilovers allow for fine-tuning of the vehicle’s ride height and damping characteristics, providing improved off-road performance and a more aggressive stance. They are also built to withstand the toughest off-road conditions, with heavy-duty construction and high-quality materials.

The Icon 2.5 Series Coilovers are designed for those who want a high-performance coilover that can handle a variety of terrains. They have a 2.5-inch shock body and a 7/8-inch chrome-plated shaft, which allows them to provide excellent damping and handling. The Icon 2.5 Series Coilovers come with an adjustable ride height collar, which allows you to set your vehicle’s ride height anywhere between 0 and 3 inches. They also come with a dual rate coil spring, which provides excellent performance and ride quality.

The CDCV (Compression Damping Control Valve) Coilovers from Icon Vehicle Dynamics are designed for those who want even more control over their vehicle’s performance. These coilovers have all the same features as the 2.5 Series Coilovers, but they also come with a compression damping control valve. This valve allows you to adjust the compression damping of your coilovers with the turn of a knob, giving you more control over your vehicle’s handling and ride quality.

In terms of travel, Icon Vehicle Dynamics offers both standard travel and extended travel coilovers. Standard travel coilovers are designed for vehicles with a stock or slightly lifted suspension, and they offer a travel range that is similar to the stock suspension. Extended travel coilovers, on the other hand, are designed for vehicles with a significant amount of lift, and they offer a longer travel range to accommodate the larger tires and increased ground clearance.

Extended travel coilovers are also designed with a longer shock body and shaft, which allows them to handle increased vertical compression and extension that often comes with off-road use. Luckily, there is no price premium to upgrade to Icon’s extended travel coilovers. You just need to make sure you are running their upper control arms, since the ball joints on the stock arms cannot handle the increased articulation needed for extended travel coilovers.

Icon Vehicle Dynamics offers a range of coilovers with different features and benefits to suit a variety of needs. The 2.5 Series Coilovers provide excellent performance and ride quality, while the CDCV Coilovers feature an adjustment dial that offers fine tuned control over their damping.

Icon Vehicle Dynamics offers a range of high-quality suspension products and lift kits for Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota 4Runner, and Lexus GX models. Whether you’re looking for a slight lift and improved handling or a full-on off-road machine, there’s a kit for you. And with TotalZParts.com’s 15% discount promotion, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your vehicle’s suspension. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

Purchase an SCT or Bully Dog Performance Programmer Device between November 1st and December 31st, 2022, and receive a manufacturer rebate of up to $45! Purchase your tuner from TotalZParts.com by December 31st, 2022 and submit your proof of purchase by January 10, 2023 to receive your rebate gift card. See below for different rebate amounts on on the full line of Bully Dog & SCT products.

Bully Dog Rebate Form
SCT Rebate Form

LiveWire TS+ (5015P, 5416P) = $45
BDX (40470, 40490): $45
X4 (7015, 7416, 7215) = $40
GT Gas (40417): $40
GT Diesel (40420): $40
Livewire Vision Monitor (5015PWD) = $40

SCT and Bully Dog programmers allow you to write an optimized performance program to your vehicle, which enhances your engine’s power output and efficiency. After plugging the device into your OBDII port (on the dash, under the steering wheel on most vehicles), the programmer will direct you through a process where it will update itself if needed, back up your vehicle’s factory program, and then begin writing its own performance program.

All vehicles come with a comparatively “tame” program from the factory, but many drivers don’t realize that there’s more power that’s waiting to be unlocked. Along with enhancing the throttle curve for more responsive acceleration, the SCT & Bully Dog performance programs will optimize your engine’s timing and shift points to give you optimal power, while still maintaining drive-ability and fuel efficiency when needed. SCT & Bully Dog technicians work hard to develop fine tuned, octane-based performance tune files for the Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and GMC vehicles that these devices support.

For gas vehicles, the pre-loaded tunes are based on fuel octane level (87, 91, and 93 octane), with the highest octane allowing for the biggest horsepower and torque gains. For diesel vehicles, most devices have “street”, “performance”, “tow” and “extreme” tunes pre-loaded, which optimize your diesel’s power output depending on your preferred driving parameters. Finally, these devices will allow you to individually adjust various options. These adjustable options include speedometer calibration (for tire size changes), axle ratio, rev limiter, speed limiter, transmission shift points, transmission shift firmness, AFM/DoD (Active Fuel Management, otherwise known as Displacement on Demand), spark timing, idle speed, and more. *Please note that the available adjustable options vary depending on the year, model and engine of your car or truck, so be sure to call or email us to ask which options are available if you’re needing to make a specific adjustment.

TeraFlex is a leading name in Jeep suspensions and lift kits that even professional off-roaders can count on. For many years, they’ve been providing shocks, full kits, accessories and components that are easy to fit, manage and upgrade with at your leisure. We’re proud to host the TeraFlex product line as part of our online catalog.

TeraFlex’s main appeal lies in the fact that you receive a top-quality, custom-made lift kit or shock kit at fraction of what you’d normally expect from a high-quality parts manufacturer. This US-based company ensures rigorous testing of all of their kits before final release, meaning you know you are never buying anything less than top notch.

When it comes to giving your jeep or other 4×4 that little bit of extra lift or balance, you’re going to need strength, and a perfect fit. While it’s not always easy to hunt down the best bits and pieces to enhance or upgrade the lift on your vehicle, TeraFlex strives to give you everything you need in a series of different packages. Whether it be individual shock kits, full suspension kits, wheels, coil springs, sway bars, steering stabilizers, track bars, or shock skid plates/guards, the TeraFlex product line provides solutions for every project. If you’re just getting started with off-road upgrades on your truck or Jeep, or if you’re looking for a new way to take your ride to the next level, you’re bound to find a great kit in the TeraFlex catalog.

TotalZParts is an online dealer that is fully authorized to sell TeraFlex products and kits. This means we work closely with the manufacturer to bring you the most state of the art lift kits and accessories, and continually adding new products as they expand to newer applications. We’re thrilled to be able to work with this brand – they’ve made a big name for themselves in a short period of time, and as such, we intend to keep bringing you their best pieces and parts as and when they become available.

As a trusted retailer, you can also rely on our professional guarantees and services, too. We’ll help you find the best components for your application, and help you get the lift and balance you need in the quickest time possible. If you need help with warranties on any TeraFlex purchases, or if you’re unsure which will work best for your 4×4, be sure to reach out and we will line up a solution for you.

A great plus point to using TeraFlex parts is the fact that you’ll have access to some of the brand’s best-known lines. Arguably, some of the most well-known shocks in the off-roading industry are their line of Falcon Performance Shocks. These premium off road shocks are designed with both fitment and versatility in mind, resulting in great ride quality both on and off road.

The Falcon lineup is comprised of the Series 3.3 Fast Adjust Piggyback with 10 damping adjustment settings, the preset Series 3.1 Piggyback Shocks, and the preset Series 2.1 Monotube Shocks. If you opt for the high-end 3.3 Fast Adjust Piggyback shocks, you’ll benefit from 10 damping adjustment settings for ultimate control of your suspension stiffness; this especially comes in handy when you’re on a trip where you might be switching from smooth roads to rough off-road trails. Each Series 3.3 shock’s damping can be adjusted with 2 knobs: A fast adjust knob with 3 compression settings (for large damping adjustments), and a micro position dial with 8 compression settings for more fine-tuned, incremental damping adjustments.

If you’re on a budget and don’t need the fine-tuning abilities of the 3.3 Fast Adjust series, you can opt for the Series 3.1 Piggyback or Series 2.1 Monotube Shocks, which are designed with preset damping that is optimized for great ride quality and versatility during on and off-road driving.

What you’ll immediately notice with TeraFlex’s full lift kits is that they are designed and grouped together to give you a custom-tailored experience in one package, depending on your vehicle’s precise requirements. There’s never any need to fumble around for accessories or parts that you’d normally need to purchase separately. With the ST3 series suspension lift kits from TeraFlex, for example, you can expect a variety of sway bars, track bars, control arms, bump stops, and shock absorbers to get you off the ground properly.

Of course, if it’s a simple body lift you’re after on your Jeep Wrangler JK, TeraFlex provides a simple 1.25 inch body lift kit packages with all the bits and pieces you need – at great quality and an affordable price. Simply search for the best kit to fit your specific jeep or 4×4, and you’ll have access to a custom-made kit ready to get you and your truck up sitting exactly where you want it.

If you already have shocks and simply need a more barebones kit to get your Jeep or truck sitting at a given height, you can always rely on a TeraFlex coil spring base lift kit to get the job done without breaking the bank. Available mostly for Jeep Wranglers, these coil spring base kits lift your vehicle with included heavy duty coil springs, bump stops, front/rear swaybar links, and other necessary hardware for a proper install. Since some newer Wrangler models may require exhaust spacers (for proper driveshaft clearance) or brake line relocation kits, we make those available separately in case you need to add those items to your order. What we really like about TeraFlex is the fact that they think of every scenario and don’t believe in one-size-fits-all, because they know that a good quality lift kit requires attention to detail. The engineers at TeraFlex work harder than most to develop separate kits for different needs.

That goes for leveling, too. Need to get your Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, or Dodge Ram balanced and steady on the flats as well as the dirt? There’s always going to be a high quality TeraFlex leveling kit to get the job done. Just filter through the products we have available, and you can select the lift you want in a matter of minutes – right out of the box.

At TotalZParts.com, you have our complete assurance that we only ever work with brands, manufacturers and suppliers who offer the very best in the business, and back their products with warranties that give customers piece of mind. We understand that hobbyists and professionals are all looking for quick, easy and painless ways to lift and balance. That’s a given.

TeraFlex is therefore one of our favorite brands for sheer variety and scope. No matter whether it’s a Jeep, Toyota, GMC, Chevrolet or Ford, just take a look through what we have on offer and you’ll likely find the perfect fit in no time.

Again, do also keep in mind that we strive to keep the latest and greatest of all TeraFlex products in our catalog, ready to go. Can’t find what you need? Reach out to our team and we’ll point you in the right direction as soon as we can.

It’s pretty safe to say that most 4×4’s take a beating. No matter whether you’re heading off the beaten track, or tearing down a dusty flat, every off-road vehicle is going to need strong and tactile suspension components to withstand intense terrain.

Modern versions of adjustable, long travel control arms are a relatively new function in 4x4s in that they give off roaders much more versatility, clearance and strength than control arms of old. Other than optimizing your front suspension for off road terrain, adjustable aftermarket upper control arms also allow for fine tuning of wheel alignment geometry. This ability to adjust camber and caster helps correct tire wear and steering issues on lifted vehicles, which not only enhances drivability, but prolongs the lifetime of your tires and other components.

With that being said, control arms are sensitive beasts. Your suspension is never something you should really consider tweaking unless you either know exactly what you’re doing. Picking the right control arms and having the expertise to install them correctly are key in doing an effective control arm upgrade. The moment something goes wrong with your suspension, especially if you’re the cause of the fault, you might find yourself stuck with hefty repair costs that fall outside of your warranty.

Adjustable, high strength upper control arms can be seen as somewhat of a luxury for the average 4×4. They’re becoming a staple item when lifting a truck, and more people continue to catch on to this effective upgrade that helps attain the best possible ride quality, suspension articulation, and wheel alignment. If these sound like improvements your truck or SUV is in need of, it’s all the more reason to head towards trusted brands such as Icon Vehicle Dynamics or SPC.

Replacing or upgrading certain suspension components is, of course, going to be a must if you’re noticing poor road quality, excessive tire wear, or loud noises while driving. Once your suspension goes, the rest of the vehicle goes with it. Never cheap out on suspension components if you’re serious about maintaining a comfortable, safe, and supportive ride.

As a truck or SUV owner, you should think about upgrading your suspension if you need that little bit of extra lift, whether it be purely for aesthetic reasons or for functional reasons. If low ground clearance has never really bothered you before, then you might be pleasantly surprised by difference with a lifted stance. Especially if you’ve installed bigger tires and wheels, better ground clearance also means better wheel clearance and better handling, both of which are going to be a great benefit in the long run. That doesn’t just go for off-road, but on the straight and narrow, too.

Leading brands such as SPC are worth turning to if your OE control arms lack the travel to accommodate extended travel off-road coil-overs, or if your OE control arms are banging into the front spring bucket. As mentioned before, you’re going to need the best components in the business for both safety and protection of your vehicle’s other components, many of which might be damaged if your suspension gives out.

For a comprehensive line of premium lift kit components, you should also consider suspension products from Icon Vehicle Dynamics. A full Icon suspension kit, or even a suspension that’s enhanced by some of their key suspension components, will help give you optimum strength and versatility even when you’re putting your vehicle through the grinder on tough terrain.

Aftermarket upgrades for 4x4s come in all shapes and sizes. What you might not consider right away, if you are a new driver or owner, is upgrading your control arm system. Replacing or enhancing those upper control arms is going to mean they’ll last longer and protect your other front suspension components from excessive wear and tear – great news if you’re going to be driving off-road for many years to come. In addition, you’ll find that you can open yourself up to a wider variety of different upgrades and enhancements with wheel/tire upgrades and different lift heights.

Upper control arms most importantly provide better clearance and better droop travel. This matters a lot when it comes to getting the most out of your truck or SUV. Of course, upgrading your factory control arms to adjustable off-road control arms also means you’ll benefit from added strength, and more fine tuned articulation when you really put your front suspension to work.

When it comes to actually changing your control arms up out of necessity, it again makes sense to shop with a leading brand. In this regard, we again can’t recommend either Icon or SPC (Specialty Products Company) enough. There are plenty of control and suspension tech providers out there, but time and again, these manufacturers come out on top.

So, once you’ve decided that it’s time to change up your 4×4 suspension or to get those upper control arms working more efficiently, you need to take a look at the different options available online. Luckily, TotalZParts.com has more than a few options to choose from when it comes to fixing your lifted truck’s alignment, increasing front spring clearance, or correcting vertical droop travel issues. If you’re really ambitious about taking your suspension up a few notches with a comprehensive suspension lift kit, then we have great solutions for that too!

For Tacoma owners, we’d firstly recommend considering the SPC 25470 Upper Control Arms (for 2005-2021 Tacoma 6-lug trucks).  These are great for either bringing back factory handling, or enhancing the handling and drivability of an older 4×4. This set of arms is ideal for Tacoma drivers looking for that extra bit of adjustability to precisely accommodate your tire size and ensure balanced tire wear.

Front alignment issues can be a nightmare – and among our products in-catalog right now, there are few that hold a candle to this SPC standard. Their patented ball joint design offers an unparalleled 80 degrees of articulation, meaning you’re able to unlock freedom of movement you’d never believe.

Icon, too, have a pair of upper control arms we think will work perfectly for Ford F150 drivers. Ideal for correcting caster and camber, the UCA Tubular Upper Control Arms Kit is a popular choice for those drivers looking to go super heavy-duty on the ball joints. Tougher driving warrants tougher components, and Icon’s patented delta joint design combines superior strength with excellent ball joint articulation.

Benefiting from their Delta Joint design, Icon Vehicle Dynamics upper control arms allow for maximum droop travel while off-roading, without the ever so common worry of component failure. Their delta joint design is a brilliant enhancement to the industry standard, and we highly recommend it.

If you’re not sure which control arms, off-road coilover kits, or suspension systems to consider, don’t forget that you can reach out to an expert at TotalZParts at any time. Not everyone wants to persist with the factory suspension for the rest of their drives – and we can hardly blame them. Take a look through the best of control arms and more from Icon and SPC right here, right now.

For purchases made between November 1st to December 31st, 2021, all Bully Dog & SCT tuners are eligible for manufacturer rebates of up to $80! These are the largest rebates the manufacturer has ever offered. Purchase your Bully Dog or SCT performance programmer from TotalZParts.com by December 31st, 2021 and submit your proof of purchase by January 10, 2022 to receive your rebate gift card. See below for different rebate amounts on on the full line of Bully Dog & SCT products.

Bully Dog Rebate Form
SCT Rebate Form

LiveWire TS+ (5015P, 5416P) = $80
BDX (40470, 40490): $45
X4 (7015, 7416, 7215) = $40
GT Gas (40417): $40
GT Diesel (40420): $40
Livewire Vision Monitor (5015PWD) = $40

SCT and Bully Dog programmers allow you to back up the factory tune on your vehicle’s PCM, and write a new performance program that enhances your engine’s power output and efficiency. For gas vehicles, the pre-loaded tunes are based on fuel octane level (87, 91, and 93 octane), with the highest octane allowing for the biggest horsepower and torque gains. For diesel vehicles, most devices have “street”, “performance”, “tow” and “extreme” tunes pre-loaded, which optimize your diesel’s power output depending on your preferred driving parameters. Finally, these devices will allow you to individually adjust various options. These adjustable options include speedometer calibration (for tire size changes), axle ratio, rev limiter, speed limiter, transmission shift points, transmission shift firmness, AFM/DoD (Active Fuel Management, otherwise known as Displacement on Demand), spark timing, idle speed, and more. Please note that the available adjustable options vary depending on the year, model and engine of your car or truck, so be sure to ask us which options are available if you’re purchasing to make a specific adjustment.

In recent years, LED light headlight bulbs, fog lamps, ditch lights, pod lights, and light bars have become very popular among driving enthusiasts due to their impressive durability, efficiency, and power. However, this whole new range of lighting has created some confusion around what is considered road legal, and what might get you in trouble with road authorities. Of all these vehicle lighting categories, headlights and fog lights are typically used as primary lights when navigating the roads at night, so it’s important to know if they are road legal before you decide to run them while you drive on public roads.

LED Technology, Light Intensity, & Legal Requirements

LED technology, which stands for “Light Emitting Diode“, uses a highly efficient solid state light-emitting diode to produce light. Compared to halogen bulbs, which waste about 80% of their energy as heat as they glow to produce light, LED headlights are typically about 80% efficient, meaning that only about 20% of their energy is wasted as heat. The drastically superior efficiency of LED headlights allows more intense light to be produced per unit of energy. The emitted light from a LED headlight or fog light is generally a whiter color than halogen, which allows you to view the road ahead with more clarity. A more crisp view of the road also means added driving safety under various conditions.

Due to the immense intensity of LED headlights versus older, more traditional lighting technologies, you’ll want to make sure you’re not driving around blinding other drivers with overly intense headlights or fog lamps. The specific legal requirements for headlights vary from state to state, but headlights are generally considered road legal if their beam projects like anywhere between 50 and 100 meters ahead of the vehicle. In short, your vehicle’s lights should be bright enough for other vehicles to see you, and for you to see the road clearly, but not so bright that they blind oncoming vehicles. Additionally, there are usually legal limitations on the color of a road legal headlamp or fog lamp. Yellow and white are the only colors allowed on road legal lights.

Since legal regulations on vehicle lighting can vary significantly depending on what US state you’re in, or what part of the world you’re in, it’s important to remember to check with your local authorities on specific brightness and color requirements they may have. When determining which road legal lights to purchase, there are numerous factors to consider, so make sure you read the specifications and understand what you’re purchasing if you have to fulfill specific requirements.

Meaning of “SAE” On Street Legal Light Kits

You’ll notice that many of the fog light kits we sell on TotalZParts.com use the acronym SAE to signify road legal status. SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers, which is an international organization of engineers who are technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial vehicle industries. The experts have developed and published technical standards and recommended practices that help to ensure products meet reasonable quality and performance standards. In order for a light to be SAE approved, it must meet the organization’s published certification standards. While the label “SAE” doesn’t always mean a light is fully road legal in a given area, it indicates that the product is designed to meet stringent performance and quality standards, all of which are typically part of the criteria government agencies require when determining if a light is road legal.

Should I Install Road Legal LED Lights?

After taking legal regulations into account, as well as your needs as an everyday driver or off road enthusiast, you’ll need to come to a decision about whether you want road legal lights, and where on your vehicle you should install them. Unless you’re never on public roads, your primary headlights should be road legal. On the other hand, if you want powerful fog lights that you mainly plan to use while off-roading, you may want to opt for non-SAE options that produce more lumens and project light further into the distance and to the sides of your vehicle.

Another rule of thumb: don’t buy cheap, unbranded LED lights. Many cheap options typically don’t have great engineering behind them, and haven’t been extensively tested like lights from brands such as Baja Designs, Rigid Industries, and Vision X Lighting. Moreover, when it comes to street legal headlights and fog lights, the beam angles on off brand lights are likely to be inconsistent, which can put you and other drivers in jeopardy while on the road at night. Finally, pay attention to the warranty that a manufacturer backs their products with. For example, Baja Designs and Rigid Industries both back their lights with a lifetime warranty, which goes to show you how confident they are in the engineering and build quality that has gone into each lighting solution.