Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) A-pillar pod question

[MBFARMS]

I have been researching gauges for a long time, but have not got them yet. My main concern is the a-pillar in our trucks can sometimes cause a blind spot. If you install an a-pillar three pod gauge holder, does it increase the blind spot?

 

[mediccummin]

IMO no it does not, but some will say it does. I think it depends a little on how you install it, as a replacement or a cover. I think as a replacement it tends to stick out a little less. It also depends on your height and where your seat is located. For me I look directly at mine, so it does not block the view any more than the pillar itself. You should find someone who has them and sit in there truck to see if you like it or not. Good luck.

 

[Cummins Pilot]

Coming from a 94 & 95 F series trucks I think the whole pillar is quite a blind spot. The Fords I drove have a much steeper pillar than the Dodges, + the Dodges are wider.



I don't think my 3 gauge pillar blocks off anymore than what the factory setup does. But I find myself having to move around to clear the blind spot regaurdless.

 

[GMincher]

Blind spot? What blind spot! Good Lord you could lose a Kenworth behind these pillars! I'm in the same boat as you and have the same concerns. I'll be watching this post closely!

 

[gitchesum]

Increasing that blind spot was one of my concerns when I installed my A-pillar.



IT does not increase the blind spot. Kinda hard to explain without having you sit in my truck to see for yourself, but the pods do not stick out further towards the windshield than the factory A-pillar. The pods are configured to drop down, and not out from the current A-pillar.



Here's a pic of my gauges. Take into consideration that I am not seated like I would normally be when I am driving. From where I sit, I can see the edge of the A-pillar mount against the windshield, and I can see the frame of the drivers door, without any obstruction from the pods.



#ad

 

[jeepit]

I just put in 2 guages on a-pillar. Boost/egt combo and fuel pressure. In my opinion, they do not block anymore vision than the pillar itself, and alot less of the road view than top of dash mounts. Glancing up I can read all guages easily and keep an eye on the road. GMincher- Hide a Kenworth

 

[DOUGMartin]

If you take the pillar cover off you will find that the glass is black right to the point where the pillar meets up with it. So even if the pillar was smaller you wouldnt gain anything. I like my tripple pillar and it does not interfear at all. Best thing about it is dont have to take my eyes off the road to check guages.

 

[MBFARMS]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will be ordering EGT, Boost, and fuel pressure gauges in the near future and will mount them in a three pod apillar.

 

[Horsepuller]

A pillar mounts

I drive some hilly and curvy roads and sometimes find myself having to crane my neck to see around the A-pillar, without the guages. Regardless, I plan on installing two gauges on the A-pillar, the combo egt/boost and a fuel preasure. From what I can tell after holding up the dual pillar mount with the gauges, I don't think it will be any worse, but even if it was, I would rather have my gauges at eye level so I can keep my head up. The way I drive, the curves come up real quick and I can't afford to be looking down to monitor the gauges. IMO, the benefits of a a headsup gauge mount outweigh the downside of "possibly" creating a slightly larger blind spot. Looks cool too!

 

[IWeiny]

I know some are going to get mad at me but...

I had mine in the Autometer 3 guage dash mount to begin with. And I actually liked them there better. But I am not going to move them. I have 5 guages right now and I find that the ones I can see "at a glance" are not the ones I want to be monitoring all the time... (ie the ones I added after getting my pilar mount. ) To sum up I have, from top to bottom, boost, EGT, trany temp in the pillar. Fuel pressure and Exh Back pressure, and soon to be EGT #6 in my 3 pod dash mount. Overall that might work out as it seems EGT's on #6 is really want we all should be looking at.



As far as the blind spot... It does increase it a bit but I would not worry about it. The pillars are so big I had to be looking around them anyway. So now I have to move a fraction of an inch further... Oh poor me!!!



Also the pillar mount is much more professional looking.

 

[Brand-X]

I have found the blind spot gets bigger the further away you sit I myself don't have a problem with it.

 

[Car_nut57]

I have been researching gauges for a long time, but have not got them yet. My main concern is the a-pillar in our trucks can sometimes cause a blind spot. If you install an a-pillar three pod gauge holder, does it increase the blind spot?

The A-Pilalr moutn really doesn't increase the blind spot that much and soon after installing most find that they look right around it. It just takes a little getting used to.