Notices
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Accessory Guage Install

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 16, 2006 | 09:06 PM
  #1  
buckeyebronco's Avatar
buckeyebronco
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
Accessory Guage Install

I want to get some guages for my Bronco but I am unsure as what to buy in order to hook everything up right. I want a transmission temperture guage, water temperture guage, oil pressure guage. Also, has anybody looked behind the original guage cluster? I was thinking if there are just guages like you buy at the store then maybe I can just remove the stock ones, cut larger holes and install aftermarket ones.
 
Reply
Old May 16, 2006 | 10:05 PM
  #2  
b4hntn's Avatar
b4hntn
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 0
From: Longview, TX
Club FTE Silver Member

There are many threads on this under Forums > Search. Most go with under dash or on the A-Pillar. I put mechanical oil pressure and water temp under ash tray area and connected to ash try light to dim them with the dash lights. Used plastic split harness wrap over the tubings. Be sure not to connect the original ones to force you to look at the new guages.
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2006 | 06:31 AM
  #3  
Streetgang's Avatar
Streetgang
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, NJ...
Originally Posted by buckeyebronco
I want to get some guages for my Bronco but I am unsure as what to buy in order to hook everything up right. I want a transmission temperture guage, water temperture guage, oil pressure guage. Also, has anybody looked behind the original guage cluster? I was thinking if there are just guages like you buy at the store then maybe I can just remove the stock ones, cut larger holes and install aftermarket ones.
Just click on the link in my signature, and you will see where I mounted the Auto-Meter gauges.....I have the exact three you named water, oil pres, and trans temp.
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2006 | 11:05 AM
  #4  
buckeyebronco's Avatar
buckeyebronco
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 575
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
I know how to use the search function but I couldn't find an answer for what are the best guages and what are the pros and cons of cheaper ones such as sunpro, etc. Also I didn't see any information about how to hook up a trans temp guage. Could I just install a sender in the cooler input line? Or should I put it on the cooler output line?
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2006 | 11:49 AM
  #5  
b4hntn's Avatar
b4hntn
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 0
From: Longview, TX
Club FTE Silver Member

I like my Auto-Meter mechanical Auto Gauges. For oil, I screwed a 1/4" X 6" brass nipple into the block. Then connected the plastic tubing to it to make it easier to get to that connection if needed. I covered the tubing with split cable harness plastic to protect it and also ran mechanical water temp tubing along with it. I do not have the transmission temp gauge.
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2006 | 05:37 PM
  #6  
Streetgang's Avatar
Streetgang
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, NJ...
Originally Posted by buckeyebronco
I know how to use the search function but I couldn't find an answer for what are the best guages and what are the pros and cons of cheaper ones such as sunpro, etc. Also I didn't see any information about how to hook up a trans temp guage. Could I just install a sender in the cooler input line? Or should I put it on the cooler output line?
Here in this pic you can see how I did mine. I have the sending unit screwed into the manifold that I put on the line coming out of the trans, so before it goes into the rad cooler/heater or my B&M stacked plate Super-Cooler, I can get a accurate reading of my ATF temp. (BTW even in July w/AC cranked in NYC stop and go the ATF never even gets past 180*F)


As for the quality of the gauges, well since all the items I am looking to monitor are quite critical, I went with some high quality Auto-Meter gauges. The oil pressure is the only one that is mechanical (that is most critical, so I wanted no chance of a elect fault causing the gauge to read incorrect), and the trans, and water are both elect. These gauges are very accurate when I checked them against the shop gauges we have. I also used the very inexpensive SunPro oil press gauge at one time, and when I checked that $14 gauge against our shop gauge it was dead on also.......??

But if you want high quality go with the AutoMeter units.....they have many to choose from, and just about every accessory you could want to go with them.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:00 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE