What gauges would you install?

Selahdoor · Oct 19, 2019

I asked this question in another thread, but thought I should start a new thread to ask, instead.

My truck... 1992 f250 xlt lariat 7.3idi NA

Given this, bone stock truck, if you could install 3 gauges, what would you choose?

Turbo stuff not needed...

One has to be a voltmeter. Because the voltmeter in my dash doesn't work right. This is the reason I am considering some gauges.

Since the temp gauge is what went bad in my other truck, I'm thinking that would be my second gauge.

After that, I was thinking about an oil pressure gauge. But a couple of people have suggested trans temp. I don't know how/where you would install a sensor for that, but it sounds like a good idea.

What would you choose?

Matt_INW · Oct 19, 2019

It depends in part on what you use the truck for. If you don’t tow much or heavy then a transmission gauge is probably not as useful.

I definitely think the coolant temperature gauge is important. Have you tried fixing the volt meter? If the issue isn’t the dash then it’s probably nothing crazy to fix.

I like having an oil pressure gauge. I also added a oil temperature gauge but only because i had a total of 5 after market gauge spots.

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IDIBRONCO · Oct 19, 2019

It sounds to me like you already have your three gauges figured out-volt, engine temp, and oil pressure. While the trans temp gauge would be nice, unless you're planning to do a lot or heavy towing, then I wouldn't be as concerned with that
one.

IDIBRONCO · Oct 19, 2019

Matt_INW said:
Have you tried fixing the volt meter? If the issue isn’t the dash then it’s probably nothing crazy to fix.

Personally, I wouldn't trust the factory voltmeter. I think he learned a lesson about inaccurate voltage gauges (meters) during his alternator experience.

Selahdoor · Oct 19, 2019

Sounds good to me.

Transmission was just replaced. Along with "full lock up" TC. That's why I was considering the trans temp gauge after it was suggested.

But no, I hardly ever do any towing. When I do, it isn't much weight.

I'll probably go with the volts, temp, and oil pressure.

Voltmeter gauge problem is in the dash itself. Shop couldn't fix it. And too expensive to have them replace the whole thing. I figured an aftermarket gauge would be easier than unsoldering things, adding resistors and that sort of stuff.

riphip · Oct 19, 2019

Only other I would install, with your setup, is vacuum guage if you have room.
BTW, glad you are feeling better

IDIBRONCO · Oct 19, 2019

Selahdoor said:
I figured an aftermarket gauge would be easier than unsoldering things, adding resistors and that sort of stuff.

I think you're right on this one. It will also cost A LOT less. They are also easy to hook up. :Thumbs Up

Scooch · Oct 20, 2019

If you actually drive the truck I would suggest a Pyro before any other gauge.

chillman88 · Oct 20, 2019

Scooch said:
If you actually drive the truck I would suggest a Pyro before any other gauge.

Yes even NA. It's not "necessary" but is a great insurance policy. You shouldn't need it NA but if it's ever high you'll be glad you caught it in time.

Get your three in, then add another three somewhere less convenient to see like under the ash tray. That way you'll be able to check them occasionally but they won't be in the way.

I would if I could:

Primary 3 (oil pressure, coolant temp, voltage)

Secondary 3 (trans temp, pyro, vacuum)

More of a better safe than sorry deal.

PROFG · Oct 20, 2019

Why not save a gauge slot and plug in (to accessory power) one of the LED voltage displays. Red, yellow, green for increasing voltage (good) while shut down and yellow, green, red for increasing alternator voltage (bad) running? Easy, quick to see when not to attempt a start and better than trying to judge voltage between hash marks. Check with DVM to confirm settings before use. I plug in a spare for quick check of alt/battery before work on family, etc. vehicles.

Macrobb · Oct 20, 2019

PROFG said:
Why not save a gauge slot and plug in (to accessory power) one of the LED voltage displays. Red, yellow, green for increasing voltage (good) while shut down and yellow, green, red for increasing alternator voltage (bad) running? Easy, quick to see when not to attempt a start and better than trying to judge voltage between hash marks. Check with DVM to confirm settings before use. I plug in a spare for quick check of alt/battery before work on family, etc. vehicles.

They also make these with a digital readout for exact voltage instead.

I personally just use a multimeter to 'calibrate' the factory gauge(figure out where 13.5+V is, and where 12 or less is), and call it good.

IDIoit · Oct 20, 2019

I like nice gauges that you don't have to replace every year

Booyah45828 · Oct 20, 2019

You have to go with the primary 3 of voltage, oil pressure, and coolant temp.

Auxiliary gauges that I have/will install in the bus are transmission temp, Engine oil temp, and pyrometer/boost.

If you really have an unlimited budget, and are kind of a nerd, you can start adding lift pump pressure, air filter vacuum, Intake air temp, etc.

I wouldn't run any vehicle without accurate versions of the first 3 though. The rest have an importance level depending on the vehicle and usage.

Jimbanjer · Oct 20, 2019

Just for fun, if someone wanted a gauge for everything, how many types could they have? I can think of Amp, coolant temp, oil pressure, voltage, boost, EGT, engine oil temp, transmission temp, rear diff temp, vacuum, filter vacuum, lift pump pressure, intake air temp, air pressure if you have a belt driven compressor, AC outlet temp. Any others y’all can think of lol!

D_Fresh361 · Oct 20, 2019

Jimbanjer said:
Just for fun, if someone wanted a gauge for everything, how many types could they have? I can think of Amp, coolant temp, oil pressure, voltage, boost, EGT, engine oil temp, transmission temp, rear diff temp, vacuum, filter vacuum, lift pump pressure, intake air temp, air pressure if you have a belt driven compressor, AC outlet temp. Any others y’all can think of lol!

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What gauges would you install?

Selahdoor

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