Guage normal readings
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 98
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From: SW Missouri
Guage normal readings
After checking in daily to this fine site I finally added guages to my PSD! What should be the normal readings for the three guages? I have a '99 F350 with a 50hp chip, 4" no cat exhuast, K&N filter (starting to get the itch to replace the whole intake) I have also added a trans lock to help the auto from slipping. I pull a 10k trailer with bobcat usually weekly. I'm also starting to look for a lift. I'm not wanting a huge lift. I'm thinking after looking at numerous gallery pics that 2" to 4" would be fine for me. However I'm still a little confused. If I get a 2 inch lift will the truck still not sit level? I see most leveling kits are around 2 inchs but that wouldn't do anything about raising the rearend. I hope I'm making since. Thanks for all the helpful information that I see daily. Oh, since I'm here any other suggestions for improvments? I do have a limited budget and this rig needs to be a reliable daily driver but I can always DREAM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 1
From: Phx, AZ
If you want to keep it reliable get that K&N drop in ou tof the truck. The drop ins do not seal well and allow dirt past the filter. Go with an after market intake, the AFE, Tymar and the Airaid are probably the best choices. The Tymar is the most cost effective.
As for the gauges, Your boost will probably be between 3-7 lbs for normal everyday driving, Towing your teailer about 10lbs, But it will go all the way to about 25-27lbs on hard accel etc. You probably want to keep it below 24lbs though as it will activate your wastegate and SES light and defuel the truck.
Your tranny temp gauge will vary depending on work load, speeds, temp outside etc. I advise getting a Tru-cool max cooler to run in series with your existing cooler. You can never have to much! Mine runs about 145 degrees in 110 temps outside for everyday driving. Pulling my 5er 13,000lbs loaded it runs 165-180 pulling hills. Remeber cooler is better.
Your pyrometer is the most important gauge. You will probably see 500-700 degrees unloaded temps. Main thing is DO NOT exceed 1270 degrees!!! Bad Bad Bad.
Fire Rooster
As for the gauges, Your boost will probably be between 3-7 lbs for normal everyday driving, Towing your teailer about 10lbs, But it will go all the way to about 25-27lbs on hard accel etc. You probably want to keep it below 24lbs though as it will activate your wastegate and SES light and defuel the truck.
Your tranny temp gauge will vary depending on work load, speeds, temp outside etc. I advise getting a Tru-cool max cooler to run in series with your existing cooler. You can never have to much! Mine runs about 145 degrees in 110 temps outside for everyday driving. Pulling my 5er 13,000lbs loaded it runs 165-180 pulling hills. Remeber cooler is better.
Your pyrometer is the most important gauge. You will probably see 500-700 degrees unloaded temps. Main thing is DO NOT exceed 1270 degrees!!! Bad Bad Bad.
Fire Rooster
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Phx, AZ
Honestly. I would be real careful about lifting your truck just because of the load you are towing, especially as much as you are towing. You are gonna chew up the rear end, the tranny, the driveline. Plus most of the larger tires are not rated for heavy loads, the sidewall canot take it. Just my two cents.
Fire Rooster
Fire Rooster
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 665
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From: Kingsland, GA
I agree with Fire Rooster... If you're still gonna tow with the truck, the only thing I'd do is get the leveling kit to bring the front end up. That way you won't change any of your load bearing rear driveline and everything should still work just fine (not to mention they're cheap and easy to install....)
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 98
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From: SW Missouri
That is what I love about this site! Straight, Honest, answers to questions! Thank you for the all the info. I think I will just go with the leveling kit. I bought this truck to work not to show. However because the stock SD look so #$%# good already it is sometimes difficult not to want to add your own personal touches to make it truely be different. I guess I need to take time to figure out how to fill out my profile and gallery next. I had to take a two hour run yesterday on the interstate. WOW, it was really great having my new guages. I really felt like I knew what all was going on with my engine. Can't believe I hadn't really seemed the need for them before reading all the info on this site.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
semperfipsd, 1270is like for not very long at all.
Also if you have your thermocouple pre turbo this is the right numbers.
If it is after the turbo subtract 300 so you are looking at 970.
I personally keep mine, pre turbo in the down in the low 1100 range.
7000 dollars for a new motor plus install is a lot to waste on saving a few minutes.
Also if you have your thermocouple pre turbo this is the right numbers.
If it is after the turbo subtract 300 so you are looking at 970.
I personally keep mine, pre turbo in the down in the low 1100 range.
7000 dollars for a new motor plus install is a lot to waste on saving a few minutes.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,873
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From: Phx, AZ
Dave,
Thanks for the extra input I forgot, about that. I was thinking it when I typed it but did not put it in. Thanks.
Fire Rooster
Thanks for the extra input I forgot, about that. I was thinking it when I typed it but did not put it in. Thanks.
Fire Rooster
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Forest Hill, MD
Semperfipsd, on your lift question, I have a 3.5 inch leveling kit ( stock early 99 rear with 4" blocks ) and 315/75 16s on 16x10 Eagles. I have not had any problems towing loads in that weight range, but I don't tow as often as you do. I would not go higher than 4" of lift if you plan to tow that often. My tires are load range D ( 3150 lbs per tire @ 60 psi I think ) but if you look around you can find large load range E tires. I know Goodyear makes the MT/R in a 37" size with an E load range.