depends on where you do them. i did the water temp where the engine plug is on the drivers side, alot comes out. tranny temp, i did that on the test port, not much comes out. oil pressure, i put a T where the factory sensor was. didnt lose much there either.

 

I got power for the guages from the #8 radio fuse (on w/ ignition), using an add-a-fuse w/ a 2A fuse.

 

So just one power for all gauges, correct? And I am doing the Tee set up for the oil pressure, the block plug for water temp and the test port for tranny temp.

 

Where should I ground the gauges??? I am going to ground the lights for the gauges on one of my bolts for my grab handle and I was thinking of doing the gauges there too, but wasnt sure if I would get a solid ground there. Thanks for the help guys

 

I ran one power wire up to the pillar, then split it to the gauges in the pillar. I also did this with the ground and gauge light wires (I was trying to minimize the no. of wires running to the pillar).

Consider putting a connector between the dash and the pillar, so you can easily remove the pillar if needed. Type of connector I used (cheap, but seems to work fine) ... http://www.ebay.com/itm/230456822609...84.m1438.l2649

You can see the connector coming out of the pillar in the left side of the pic ...



I think you'd get a good ground from the grab handle ... I grounded mine on the dash, again so I could run all the wires through the connector so the pillar could be removed easily.

 

That picture helps a lot! Thank you. Did you ground the gauges to the frame then? I Am not using a connector perse', but I am using the bullets.

 

sorry didnt see the rest of your post below the picture. haha. Its been a long day at work!

 

Well, Ive got all of my harnesses for each gauge wired up and ready to go in the 3 gauge pod. Now I am at a stand still until I take my truck to the body shop to get the box all fixed and done before I remove my stock pillar and handle to attach the pillars together and install sending units and such. Thanks for all of the help so far guys, I really appreciate it!

 

Approximately how much water comes out when you pull the water plug out of the block? I am currently installing sensors and the last one is the water temp. Thanks

 

Also will it hurt my gauge if I have it powered up but do not have the sensor connected?

 

Drain the radiator first then pull the plug. I don't remember how much came out. maybe half a gallon or so.

I don't think it would hurt it, but why not just unplug the power wire for the guage? Or atleast the wire for the sender so it doesnt ground onto anything.

 

Well, the gauges are all installed and working perfectly so far. What are the temperature ranges that are acceptable for the 5.4? I will upload pics soon

 

What plug did you use on the engine?

 

I used the plug on the drivers side of the block for the water temp and the test port on the tranny for the trans temp.

 

oil pressure will be around 75 when its cold or during cruising, should drop to 25 at idle when the truck is warm.

water temp will be around 185 or so.

trans temp will vary depending on how you drive and ambient temperature. i wouldnt want it more than 190.