Since we're talking gauges...

[sparks57]

I've got the pyro and boost gauges, with a tach lined up (I think).



What other gauges would be good to get?



Oil Pressure?

Oil Temp?

Water Temp?

Trannie Temp?

Rear Diff?



What is out there, and what is usefull?



I have the getrash, is it a good idea to get a trannie temp gauge? I have heard some say to get one, and some say no.

 

[JLEONARD]

Well since your a "gutbag guy" I wouldn't put a temp gage on that unless I was towing. Same with the differential.

Oil P and engine T are in your instrument panel... I assume. So why bother with another?

Just my take on things.

How about an outside temp gaege? More usefull than some you mentioned... . IMHO anyway. Gages are good... . but too many detract.

East Coast Jay

 

[sparks57]

I've just heard it can be a lot better to know exactly what the pressure and temp are instead of just tick marks.



I do tow some heavy stuff with the getrag...

 

["Mad Max"]

CB - check out the post a few up from this one - bunch of commentary. I have a good one stored away - lemme try to resurrect it...

- S

 

[sparks57]

Yeah, I know about the other post... it's just that this is a little different and I didn't want to steal the guy's thread.



It bugs me when people steal my threads, so I don't want to be a hypocrit.

 

["Mad Max"]

Yeah, good point. On the gauges, my factory ones have worked fine, but I've always liked to know exactly what the actual 'value' of the temp or pressure really is. It wasn't until I installed a H2O gauge that I realized that the hash mark on my factory gauge, when the engine is hot and running all day, is only 160 degrees. The transmission gauge was something I had to have, especially being an auto. . and it never goes over the engine temp unless I'm hauling something heavy up a hill and I'm trying to pass someone. And now, with the new goodies under the hood (thanks PDR!), my trans is again the weak link, even with the good converter. Only a matter of time now untill the 518 is replaced with a 4500. Not going to bomb the rig much more until I do the swap. But I gotta know the numbers - it's just the only way to know what the engine is really doing.

There's supposed to be some way cool digital triple gauge panel out there - it's really sharp but I think it's set up for 2nd gen's.

- S

 

[bflood]

Originally posted by JLEONARD

Well since your a "gutbag guy" I wouldn't put a temp gage on that unless I was towing. Same with the differential.



How about an outside temp gaege?

East Coast Jay

Let me put some emphasis on this. If you ARE towing, put a temp gauge on the transmission!!!!



I stopped at a PA truckstop recently and picked up an electronic liquid crystal compass for $40. It works great and is powered off the vehicle (not batteries . . except a backup memory battery). It also senses inside & outside temp, has a outside freeze warning, and measures truck battery voltage and is backlit. It has both analog compass wheel, digital degrees, and points of the compass (e. g. "N, NW, S, SE . . etc) readouts. It does clutter the dash a bit more but I like it.

 

[dpuckett]

I have never had a temp guage on my "gutbag", but have never done any real heavy, day int/ day out towing, either (20K+ GCVW). If I were, I'd probably get one. If you dont do a lot of towing, I wouldnt get one- LIke Jay said, too many guages detract, unless you went with a custom dash panel, which could look real nice if done properly. Since you have a tach, CB, (or will have) I'd just keep the RPMs up, and not lug it; Keep plenty 'o oil in it, and go.



Daniel