I originally had the intent to do 3 gauges...boost, EGT, and fuel pressure...but decided to add a transmission temperature gauge within the last couple days. I haven't bought the gauge pod yet, but my original thought was to go with the AutoMeter 18017 overhead 3 pod mount. I really like the F650 lower dash idea, but that is somewhat out of the question now given they're hard to find and/or expensive...unless someone here has one they'd be willing to part with.... I don't like the idea of 4 gauges on the A-pilar, much less 3 gauges for several reasons. I have considered the 05-07 lower dash idea with the smaller glove box, thinking I could mount the gauges in there and it would be a bonus if the auxiliary switches and brake controller came with it...this is if it would in fact fit/work. Since I now have the gauges it's really not a consideration to do an independent screen display...other than the Atoto head unit I can see other things through Forscan. This leaves me with the AutoMeter 18018 overhead 4 pod mount unit if the 05-07 lower dash unit won't work. I've read where the overhead 3 pod units can be hard to keep in place and wondering if the 4 pod unit would be worse...maybe someone has developed a way to secure it to the lower sheet metal in the roof structure...



AutoMeter 18018...




05-07 lower dash with the smaller glove box, auxillary switches, and brake controller...

 

Sometimes I wish I would have sprung for the 4 hole mount. I do like the gauges up there over the mirror. I did have to trim the tabs to get the pod to sit flush with the roof - they would hit the windshield sealant in my installation. Some good heavy duty 3M velcro tape took care of the slipping down problem I was having. Adjusting the mirror to keep pressure on the pod helps as well.

 

I bought one of those pods to go on the A-pillar,

after I got it, I hated the damn thing, too intrusive on my view up ahead.

bought an Edge CTS-3 instead and no regrets.

 

I tried an old 3 gauge pod above the mirror when I first started. It was flimsy, didn't sit right and you could see the back of the gauges/ wiring from outside. I think I threw it in the trash. I also tried the A-pillar that most use but never liked it either. I finally settled on the F650 dash...but I did that mod when it was still fresh and affordable. Not sure if you could find a used 650 lower on fleabay or not.

When I find a way to mount a CTS monitor without it being easy to steal, I may think about it.

Downsides to F650 or CTS...
F650, you have to look down at the gauges. Luckily I know my truck well enough that I don't really need gauges anymore and my gauges have warnings/ peak recall, data logging...so I can review things later if needed.
CTS... downside is mounting location/ options and it uses the OBD port. Most of the time that's fine but not so good during datalogging, troubleshooting, etc. for me, that's a very rare occasion.

They do also have those 3-4 gauge pods that can mount at the bottom of the dash like the ones many used to use in older trucks/ muscle cars.

 

I have my CTS-3 vacuum cup mounted to the windshield as far down in the left corner as it will go.

so far, no one has bothered it.

but, being a vauum mount, you could just unplug it and put it in the center console, for me, a PITA... I leave it where it is all the time.

I doubt that anyone, other than a diesel driver, would even know what it is...
there are so many dash mounted GPS stuff now, folks would assume it is a GPS, just another piece of junk they don't want.

cellphones are so easy to use for navigation now.

 

So the velcro tape mounts below the back side of the area you marked in yellow, then adjacently to the windshield...

 

What about a head unit with gauges, not sure how fuel or egt could be integrated but im sure some of the more tech savvy could chime in.

 

I'm also a big fan on the cts. I've had one of the versions in my truck now for about 12 year sir so. Every since the original cts came out. Never had a issue with people trying to steal it or one go bad. I have the cts 3 for past few years and super happy with it. I have egt coolant temp and fuel pressure added to it with cheap universal sensors for coolant and fuel. Get rid a couple different mounting options people have done for them.




I have mount mounted in one of the edge pods above the driver side dash vent. But my. Truck has a dash swap and will not be exactly the same a most of you. But here is a Pic where you can see it mounted. I like it mounted there cause it's easy to take a quick glance at it without really taking your eyes off the road. You can also setup warning where it flashes and alarms where it beeps at whatever set points you want.

 

I've been looking for an F650 lower dash configuration in several places to no avail for awhile. I did find one recently that has the big protrusion for the air brake switch as shown below, but don't think it will work with my 4x4 manual floor shifter...plus I think this is for a newer year model and may not fit my truck.

I've looked at the aftermarket lower pod mounts that fit below the cubby hole and adjacent to the trash bag holder, but I can only find a 3 gauge pod and I have my trailer brake controller there.

 

Yea that's for a 08+ dash for sure.

 

my truck has been broken into 3-4 times right in front of my house since 2006. They will take anything that might be of value. They stole a wireless obd adapter that I bought for $20 approx. things are different here...bunch of scum bags

 

https://ktperformance.net/i-23914039...LN9QzvkiRFchMJ

 

It wouldn't matter what it is left to be seen to passers by...aka would be thieves...here in H-town, they see it as $$$ for something they can pawn for their habit. So this is not an option for me.

 

I already have the gauges...well, minus the trans temp unit I'm awaiting delivery on. I plan on using the head unit to monitor other things like injector pulse width, HPOP pressure, etc. as aforementioned.

 

I didn't want the pillar mount gauge pod but it is the easiest to install. I found a used complete set of gauges with the pod, sprayed the pod to match my interior and put it in. It has it's moments where it is annoying but overall I can live with it for the price and ease of install. now I'd like a coolant temp. and oil pressure gauge along with a voltmeter.