Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Gauge Installation Tips and Techniques

[Rebel_Horseman]

I hope ya'll are all happy cause ya'll are going to put me straight in the poor house, but at least I'll get there in style in my truck. I broke down and ordered my gauges just now. Set of Di Procal (sp?) in a pod with all the necessary stuff. I should have them around the middle of next week. Do ya'll have any suggestions to make the installation easier? I will be doing this myself, and I don't exactly have a shop to work in. Basic hand tools are about it. And tips from past mistakes, or anything I should avoid and not do? Any help will be greatly appreciated.



Reb [><]

 

[greyghost]

Find local TDR member



Call Same



Bribe with Beer



Repeat if necessary



Garrett



I didn't use the stock "A" Pillar cover to attach the Pod. I use three well placed screws to hold the Pod to the "A" Pillar. Those dirt road and wash board will mess with ya every time.



Also drilling for the Temp probe. Your going to get a bunch of advice about this one. I pulled the turbo loose from the manifold before I drilled.

 

[R-N-R]

I had some great help getting started on my gauges and finished up the job myself. I second Garretts advise



We used a heavily greased drill bit on the turbo and exhaust manifold.



I used a fuse tap on the fuse (#?) that works with key-on-power and dimming the dash lights. With the dash lights turned all the way up, my A-Pillar mounted gauges will throw a mild reflection on the windshield at night. It is also convenient to tone down the advertisement effect when desired. I ran straight power to the gauges that needed power (trans temp ??, etc... ). I also ran wires to power a radar detector mounted near the rear view mirror while I was at it. I think that the installation would have been much cleaner with a painless wire kit.



btw... When I joined the TDR..... all I wanted was a little more towing power Oo.

 

[Rebel_Horseman]

The part that scares the corn out of me is the drilling for the boost and pyro probes. I'm not too excited about drilling a hole in my turbo and/or manifold simply becasue I don't want shavings falling down in places they shouldt be and screwing something up.



Reb [><]

 

[Billy Diesel]

The best way to attack the EGT is to take it slow. I followed this route:

http://gatewaydieselownersassociation.com/default.php?h_display=1&how_to=EGT

I used a magnet, a vacuum, and then started it up with the cardboard still in there to get all the shavings out.



Oh yeah, I also bribed friends with beer. Works every time!

 

[R-N-R]

Clarification..... the dash mounted gauges produce the reflection, not the pillar mounted gauges.



Will,

That is an excellent link to instructions!