I'm thinking of getting a pillar mounted set of gauges for my truck (2004 6.0). Are there any gages you'd recommend? I know the exhaust gauge and the boost gauges are recommended and why. If I already have a factory tranny gauge, why would I need another? Are there any other gauges that you'd recommend?

 

Because the factory tranny gauge isn't worth squat that's why. One spot on that gauge represents a range of 60 degrees(or more, I'd have to look at the picture to see how much it is). With the way that Ford has it setup, you could have a tranny issue that causes it to overheat quickly, but never know it by using the gauge because you may not drive it far enough to overheat the tranny to the point that the tranny gauge get's in the warning area of the gauge, you have to go by other signs of tranny issues that you may or may not be attuned to until it's starts getting so bad that you can't help but noticed that something is wrong. In case your wonderings this is exactly what happened to me when my tranny was crapping out on me. I was paying attention to both gauges to see if the factory one was registering any abnormalities and not a one. The factory gauge was registering it's normal point, however, the a/m gauge was registering 180(which for 30 degree weather is a little much for driving less then 20 miles and no interstate speeds) and it was getting there very quickly.

In case your wondering why this is the case I can tell you what the local Ford tranny guy at my dealership told me and I really don't have a reason to dispute this. He said that Ford did this because they were getting alot of warranty claims of trannys running hot and it turned out that it was because people didn't realize just how hot the trannys could get and how hot they were actually able to run and still be good.

Get the tranny gauge.

 

You have a good point. I noticed the gauge was fairly arbitrary. It doesn't say exactly what the temperature is.

Is there a brand you'd recommend over others?

 

I went with Autometer mainly because they matched the Ford gauges with the white face.




You might want to consider a water temp and a fuel pressure too.

 

I use autometer as well. You can't go wrong by using the big brand name gauges. Your paying a little more upfront, but if it's worth the extra scratch then I say go for it.

Autometer
Isspro

Those would be my top pics though. Autometer has several different styles with different prices for those styles for the same type gauge. I would suggest a long sweep electric gauge. I have pics of all my gauges in my gallery if your interested. They are the autometer C2 gauges and antique beige gauges for reference.

 

I have Isspro. And I love posting pictures of them. I have had them for a few months now and have had no issues. Install instructions are great as well. I would like to add a couple more when $$$$ permit.

 

Mmmmmmmm...gauges. I am a big fan of my voltmeter.

 

I like the factory look of these gauges. They blend in nicely and doesn't look like someone tossed in the gauges as an afterthought. I think it may be a good idea to have volt meters for each battery. It's too easy to not notice of the batteries dieing without the gauge.

 

How did you get green led's in your Phantom 11's, mine came reverse lite matches great in daylight.. I didnt have the option to get green !!

 

I got the color-coded EGT gauge which was a mistake after seeing it installed. Looks like an oddball. I should have kept it matched up.

 

I found a color match 3 gauge pod for my King Ranch andI'm buying Boost, EGT, & Trans temp. Is elec better or mech? Elec is eaiser to install and I'm running elec in my mustang without any problems. The tranny temp is in the factory test port and the EGT is in the drivers manifold (I found the tech data here. Thanks) Where is the best place to install the boost? Since the factory dash has a boost gauge would an oil press gauge be a better fit? I only have a tuner and it's not radical.

 

Mechancal is more accurate to some degree then eletric, but in my estimation the accuracy is minimal and it's easier(and safer for some gauges) as you pointed out to install electric gauges. I wouldn't want hot fluids running thru the cab of the truck that's for sure.