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Here's a dumb newbie question.......
What's the deal with the gauges mounted to the left of the windshield?
Some of the Trucks I've seen have them, and some don't.
On the Trucks that don't have them, are they located elsewhere?
I know how important gauges are. I am, in fact, a "gauge watcher", and always have been when I drive.
So, I think they look great, and are right at eye level. Just don't know what they're for, specifically, or if they were added on later by somebody, or come from the factory like that.
They are almost always owner add ones. However by the looks of the interior in that truck it could be possible that when it was converted with the wood grain dash and RV seats that those were added as well. Most popular guages are probably boost, egt and trans temp. Certain gauges are very important when towing heavy or when you throw a chip in one of our trucks. If you are looking for a truck be aware that most of the time those gauges point to a chip being installed at some time. Which would make me do extra diligent checking out before purchasing. Not saying a chip is bad(one installed in my truck currently) but depending on the type of person driving it does matter.
With the guages many people have different opinions as to what they need/don’t need. I personally have boost, egt, trans temp, and fuel pressure after the filter(some say most important)in my truck.
Personal preference...some mount pods, others like the A pillar location, some use a tablet and obd port although this seems to only work on L99+. My e99 with the original PCM had limited functions available through the obd.
I don't know of any trucks that came stock with pillar gauges. Until the last few years, adding gauges was the only way to watch more stuff or get more accurate readings. With technology now you can have handfuls of parameters at your fingertips on your phone as Colorado350 mentioned.
Prior to 2002 there was no grab handle on the driver's side A-pillar so that is a popular place to mount additional gauges. As you said, they are eye level. I have a 2003 and am too old to give up my grab handle. I mounted gauges on the dash and over the rear view mirror. Not exactly line-of-sight while driving but I get to keep my handle (and would-be thieves won't see any gauges at a glance).
Firstly, this Forum, and all you guys are awesome!
Thanks so much for all the input - another new term to add to my glossary: "A Pillar Gauges"!
I love 'em. I will definitely have to have some on the truck I end up getting soon.
This is another reason why I've been looking for the Models with the Forged Rods - I want mine to have some "oomph".
I will be doing some heavy towing, but not all the time.
I really want to monitor it while driving, do all necessary maintenance, etc.