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Old Jun 19, 2011 | 11:58 PM
  #1  
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Looking for gauge recommendations

So, I'm fairly new to the diesel game. Since making the decision to by a PowerStroke I've been reading as much as I can about how to make this puppy last as long as possible. Obviously the first step I plan to take is to add gauges to make sure everything is staying within recommended limits.

In all of the reading I have been doing over the last month, I picked up on the fact that three basic gauges are what are really required as a minimum for any truck that will be used and possibly modded. Those gauges being: pyro, boost, and trans temp.

I plan to run an overhead gauge pod (simply for aesthetic reasons; I like the way the pod looks up there) and am looking at full sweep electric gauges (seems as though they may be the easiest to install with minimal modifications/routing).

I'm kind of on a budget, simply to keep the wife and pocket book happy. My only requirements, aside from the gauges not costing an arm and a leg, is that the back light on the gauges be green.

So, what manufacturers and product lines should I be looking at for an economical, full sweep electric gauge with a green back light?

I know this will likely be a very hotly debated question, but all opinions are certainly welcome.
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 12:12 AM
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Riffraff Diesel: RDP Triple Gauge Kit

Nuff said..
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 12:16 AM
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Was just checking that kit out tonight. My only objections to it is the pillar mount. I assume you're running this kit and like the gauges that are included? Maybe I can talk to Riff Raff and get them to swap out the pillar for an overhead...
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 12:18 AM
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I dont have it.. Yet. but have seen it and its the one I'm getting. Im sure you can work something out with him.
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 12:27 AM
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Trey is correct, call Clay and he will take care of you, most importantly, even after the sale if need be. Alot of us have met Clay personally and he's good people and runs a great business....
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 12:33 AM
  #6  
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Sounds like a pretty stand up guy. I know reputation goes a long way in the aftermarket community. My dealings with Early Bronco vendors have shown me that for sure. I also like the fact that Clay is active on the board and provides help when needed.

Gonna have to give him a call and see what we can work out.

As long as I am dropping some coin, any other gauges I need to be looking at? I'm not planning to build anything crazy. Just a good running, maybe slightly modded truck.
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 12:34 AM
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I'm looking at adding a volt gauge. Probably not a round standard gauge but maybe a small LED read out. I may have 2 batteries but I'd still like to know where my voltage is at.
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 12:40 AM
  #8  
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Clay also sells the overhead pods. (Link) I'd also recommend the Isspro gauges, hands down. Not sure about changing the backlight color, though.
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 12:52 AM
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Wonder if you can get a 4 pod overhead.....Yes you can^^^^^^ And I'm sure the EV 2's and Performax gauges match your stock truck cluster, I know my EV series 1's do...
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 12:54 AM
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Yes they have them. Ive seen a few
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 01:01 AM
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Sounds like AKA is on his way......
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 01:05 AM
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Originally Posted by big poppa
Trey is correct, call Clay and he will take care of you, most importantly, even after the sale if need be. Alot of us have met Clay personally and he's good people and runs a great business....

10-4!!! Clay is definitely a great guy and runs a great operation... I personally have autometer gauges, but only because I liked the Phantom II's (white face and backlit at night). Give Clay a call, btw you should go full sweep electric on the trans and pyro, but your boost gauge can be manual ( I believe it actually gives a more accurate reading and less chance of failure)

You could always add more gauges down the road if you like (i.e. fuel pressure, hpop, oil temp/pressure or maybe one of these Riffraff Diesel: Gauge LED Switcher , just sayin!)

Welcome to the 7.3 club, you've come to the right spot for advice... there are a lot of brilliant minds here
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 01:59 AM
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I have the 4 hole overhead in my '07 and it tends to migrate slightly any time it gets hot out the adhesive on the hook and loop tape softens up and the pod goes wherever it wants to until late evening when it is stuck where it was left if I forgot to re center it! That's why the '02 got a quad pillar and dual bezel
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 03:02 AM
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Originally Posted by big poppa
Wonder if you can get a 4 pod overhead.....Yes you can^^^^^^ And I'm sure the EV 2's and Performax gauges match your stock truck cluster, I know my EV series 1's do...
Riffraff Diesel: AutoMeter Overhead Console
 
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Old Jun 20, 2011 | 06:42 AM
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My only requirements, aside from the gauges not costing an arm and a leg, is that the back light on the gauges be green.

So, what manufacturers and product lines should I be looking at for an economical, full sweep electric gauge with a green back light?


frank i got auto meter gs series led sweet gauges match dash white and black day and lit green w red pointers i put a dimmer so they match the out put of the dash lights.
 
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