which gauges should i get?

[TMorris]

I recently purchased a 2001 Dodge Ram Diesel truck. One of the first things i want to add to it, is add some gauges. I am pretty much set on getting a transmission temp gauge, and an exhaust gas temperature gauge. Which other ones would you recommend? I could get a 3-pod a-pillar gauge pod, and/or a 2-3 pod dash gauge pod. I dont do a lot of towing, but i would like to add the gauges for peace of mind, and also so i can see what's going on. I just thought i'd ask and see what others have installed, and would recommend in my case.



Btw, i have the quad cab diesel/auto.



Thanks,

Tim

 

[Partyat33]

Pretty happy with the SPA gauges. I have the pillar mount, not sure if the dash pod would have been better.



They are expensive but very nice.



Dennis

 

[RJOL]

Gauges

I have Westach gauges, from Geno's. One is a EGT/Boost gauge, and the other is a Fuel Pressure gauge. They are mounted in a full 2 hole "A-Pillar" mount (Auto Gauge) from Geno's.



Since you don't plan on doing a lot of towing I would get the gauges in the following order of priority.



1. EGT 2. Fuel Pressure 3. Transmission Temp (if you have an auto) 4. Boost



The Westach gauges are probably the most reasonable if you want them all to match. As an example, the Westach Fuel Pressure gauge is $65. The Auto Gauge Fuel Pressure is over $200.



Just my $. 02 .....

 

[Irontrader]

With the 24v engines, I'd say one of the most important gauges to have is the fuel pressure gauge. It's the one gauge that will let you know first that the lift pump is failing. If the lift pump fails, the injection pump will be the next to fail.



I had both lift pump and injection pump failures on mine before I added more gauges this year. If I'd had the fuel pressure gauge last year I hopefully could have kept the injection pump from also failing.



The temperature gauges are nice to have especially if you do any towing. If you don't tow and/or don't plan on any bombing, then these gauges are really more for entertainment than a real need.

 

[chuck3]

3 Pod

Go ahead with the 3 pod a pillar, add the fuel pressure gauge, you'll be glad you did later on. my2cts.

 

[Bigsaint]

I agree, FP gauge as the 3rd.



Scott W.

 

[SEmerson]

I just got auto meters pyro, fuel, boost. With a pilar pod. I am very happy with them. Thay ran about $300. with guages pod and lines.

 

[Greystoke]

Check out my install...



#ad




Total install cost is about $600 but well worth it in my opinion.

 

[DennyDay]

Gages

Why don't you wait until the next issue of TDR before you make a decision. There will be a report about gage testing by an independant lab that will have some interesting information for all those members ready to purchase gages for their trucks.

Denny

 

[BigDaddy]

SPA

No reason to dwell over which one's to get. Just get them all.



With mine I can monitor, Boost, Pre and Post Turbo Temps, Pre and Post Fuel Filter Pressure, Transmission Temp, and Rear Dif. Temp.



I am too happy with my SPA gauges

 

[redneckdr]

gauges

i haven't done my gauges yet, but think i'll use westachs. same advantage as the spa's but not as expensive. also analog vs digital. with three gauges i will monitor 6 functions--egt/boost, oil temp/oiltemp, and fuel pressure X 2.

 

[Reddog1]

Gage testing

C. D. DAY, I am a new kid to TDR. When is the next issue of TDR due?

 

[RJOL]

Next Issue

Don't know why nobody answered your question about the next issue, but here it is: Issue 34 Nov/Dec/Jan will be out in late October... . I wish they would come out monthly, as quarterly is just too long to wait for the best truck magazine in the business...