2003 Gauge Install

[RSnaith]

Since some have requested pics, I figured I'd throw a couple pics of my 03's gauge install (I didn't care for the pillar pod solutions that are available).



A couple gotchas to doing it this way:



1) With the pyro and boost gauge, its a bit of a pain to get the bezel back onto the truck. Leave the gauges unmounted and sitting on the dash, then place the bezel on the truck, but don't snap in the upper left corner. You should have just enough room to stuff the lines in, mount the gauges, and finish snapping the bezel in place. Locate the boost line right beside the pyro lead wire so it doesn't get pinched off, or file away a small piece of the bezel.



2) If I had it to do all over again, I'd move the pyro and boost back an 1/8" to get the foot of the cups tucked completely under the dash. I didn't think there would be room when I was doing it, but there is.



3) The fuel pressure gauge needs to be moved to the left about a 1/2" to be visible at all times. If you want to run a mechanical gauge, you'll need to file out a spot on the bezel for the line to run.



BTW, thanks to some of the folks on the TDR for the heads up about the Dakota fuel pressure gauge. The sending unit is causing me to rethink some of my feelings about electrical sending units not being able to hack the VP44/CP3 pulse environment. My sending unit was hooked up direct to the pump, with no snubber, in a deliberate attempt to break it. 3 months later, its still reading strong and exactly the same as the IssPro mechanical gauge I have mounted on the knee bolster.

 

[RSnaith]

And another shot...

 

[TboneMan]

In the summer I enjoy feeling the AC coming from the dash board vents (especially while heading down the road after hooking up the camper).



It looks like the position of your guages will drastically restrict such air flow.

 

[bighammer]

I kind of like my grab handle and I've never been too crazy about the pillar mounting anyway. I'm sort of thinking the top of the dash or down low someplace. I'd sort of like to have it more in line of sight, so I'm leaning towards top of dash. Down lower is less obvious though.

 

[RSnaith]

Originally posted by TboneMan

It looks like the position of your guages will drastically restrict such air flow.

Drastically is a little too strong, in my mind. If the vents are pointed straight out, you'll lose about 10% flow. If the vents are pointing up toward your face, you'll probably lose about 1/4 flow. But no means am I necessarily recommending this mounting solution, it just works very well for keeping the gauges down in your line of site, and keeping them off the A-pillar.



Rod

 

[wyosteve]

RSnaith-- I mounted my fuel pressure guage on my 01 the same place you have the boost/EGT mounted. I also mounted a RAM cell phone/gps holder to the right of it. I really like that location. Easy to install, keeps the guages in line of sight and doesn't clutter the pillar or top of dash.

 

[Seed Guy]

To each his own but i really dont like that install. I think it looks cluttered and not smooth. Personally i feel that guages should both provide information and add to the interior look of the truck and thats just not doing it for me. They just dont flow with any lines right there.

 

[RSnaith]

Originally posted by Seed Guy

Personally i feel that guages should both provide information and add to the interior look of the truck and thats just not doing it for me. They just dont flow with any lines right there.

I'm actually right with you, however I refused to eliminate the grab handle with a pillar pod, so this seemed to be next best option (out of the way, right in the line of sight, functional) until we get our 03 Pods done.

 

[Big White Beast]

Wondering.......

Couldn't you take one of the three gauge dash pods and mount it upside down in the place where your gauges are on the right. Seems it would make it flow a little better. Just a thought,



Garrett

 

[RSnaith]

I tried a ProProds 3 gauger in there, and it was too large to fit properly. The only option I've seen thus far that looked decent was to mount on top of the dash with either a 3 gauge mount or cups, but I didn't want to drill holes in the top of the dash. Dodge really didn't make it easy on us. :{