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I am considering adding pillar gauges (EGT, Boost, amps) to my 2002 F250 7.3L. The truck came std with trans and water temp gauges. I tow a 7500# travel trailer over high mountain passes in Colorado (with the SuperChips set to "Tow"). Any thoughts or comments on brands and what is a reasonable price for install? Anyone ever install themselves? How hard was it, how long did it take? Would you recommend the average shade tree mechanic to attempt? Sure, it looks cool, but do I even need these???? Thanks!!
Many here have done these, including myself. I did the isspro guage set from Diesel manor. Mine included the trans temp, boost and pyrometer. I had a tougher time than most do installing them. I took my time and wasn't in a rush and it took about 8 hours, Many here have done it in half the time. The thing that took the longest by far for me was the pyrometer. I am sure though that I took longer than pretty much anyone else here. It is a very nice kit from DM and the instructions are top notch. The isspro's match the Ford stock guages very closely if that is important to you, and Diesel Manor is a sponsor.
I did the 3 gauge ISSPRO on the Apillar also back in Sept. I still haven't got my pyro working right though. However, I'm pretty certain my problem is the weather pack connector that is connected to the amp since that is the only part that has not been replaced and all other parts were verified on the bench before replacing. You can't check this connection without opening the amp (voiding the warranty) since the 2 wires come out of the amp and go into the connector. Whether or not you get the weather pack connectors I would suggest bench testing the whole thing before installing. Diesel Manor has been great in supporting me. They have gotten ISSPRO to send me all new parts. However, the amp ISSPRO sent me had ring nuts on the thermocouple wires and the thermocouple had the weather pack connector on it. Once I verify the problem I'll ask for a new weather pack connector for the amp. Just gotta find time to work on it.
I installed the same gauges they are talking about. Very detailed instructions and easy to follow. Just put aside a day to take your time and do them right. Took me most of the day, but that was painting the gauge holder for the piller also.
You can do it, once you do you will feel better about doing other mods.
Good luck.
Did mine also- Isspro from Diesel Manor - Great instructions come with kit - Install wasnt that bad - Advise having a helper , and just take your time. I read instructions about 3 X b4 I started, but then again Im a little slow anyway.- If you want to do it yourself theres plenty of good folks here that can help out with ???. Good Luck
Well I'm going to join the chorus. Dieselmanor and Isspro. Great folks and a great product. One thing I would like for you to think about though, can the Amp gauge and get a transmission gauge. The factory gauge is JUNK. It will go to the center of the dial and just sit there. When the transmission gets TOO HOT it will go into the red but it will be TOO LATE and you'll be buying a rebuild. Just something for you to consider before you place your order.
Joe
Thanks Joe-M. This truck has no voltmeter, so I was hoping to add one of those. Any thoughts why Ford neglected to add this $20 gauge? How else can I add one?
Thanks Joe-M. This truck has no voltmeter, so I was hoping to add one of those. Any thoughts why Ford neglected to add this $20 gauge? How else can I add one?
Get a steering column pod and put a gauge in there.
Follow Joe-M's advice ditch the amp meter, and get the tranny guage. If the alternator goes out there is an idiot light for that, but if the tranny gets too hot the only lite idiot is the one who is lightening his wallet paying for a tranny rebuild.
I am thinking of the isspro gauges from diesel manor, or the dipricol kit from itp (click here) for our superduty. I kinda like the looks of the dipricols they look to match the dash perfectly. Anyone have night pics of their isspros? The one on diesel manors site isnt very good.
Thanks Joe-M. This truck has no voltmeter, so I was hoping to add one of those. Any thoughts why Ford neglected to add this $20 gauge? How else can I add one?
They make a four gauge pod. Sort of too cluttered for my taste but you might like it.
Joe
I have a 4 pod on the pillar, I went with autometer and changed the dash layout as well to red. I personally like the red better. Anyway, pics are in gallery if you want.
Thanks for the pics cangim. I will be getting the 4 pod as well but will be getting an engine oil temp gauge.
I think I might go with the isspros because dipricol doesnt have an engine oil temp gauge. I have only seen the while face ones, I helped a friend put them in his duramax. They light up nice but I have not seen the black face ones in person.