royta

I found the perfect 2nd Gen 2500, BUT...it doesn't have the Remote Keyless Entry, Overhead Console w/ Trip Computer, and the Rear View Auto Dim Mirror. I figure if I'm going to spend the big money on an '02 with the 6-speed, I really want those options. However, the undercarriage is in SUPER CLEAN condition. How difficult is it to add those options? I figure the truck is pre-wired for the overhead console, but what do I do about the keyless entry?

Thanks.


Roy

Dr. Evil

Install an alarm with keyfobs....straightforward and much better than the oem keyless entry. Cant really tell you about the rest other than the 6 speed isnt near as desireable as it used to be due to the shortage (or apparant shortage of parts)

royta

Hmm. I wish I knew how big the jump was between 3rd and 4th on the 5 speed. I do remember that in my dad's '90 with Cummins and 5 speed that when driving through town, it seemed that 3rd gear was too high an RPM but 4th would lug it down and the rear end would bounce up and down.

blackimpala

I have the add-on key-less entry and alarm system on my 96, works very well.

Floyd

sheriffav8r

Frankly, the auto dim feature on the rearview isn't as impressive as it sounds. You're sitting so far above the headlight beams anyway that the dimming doesn't really do that much, JMHO.... As far as the overhead console goes, you can check out a ScanGaugeII (http://www.scangauge.com/) for fuel mileage stuff and a GPS for speed and direction stuff. Add an Edge Juice w/Attidude and you would have more info about your vehicle and surroundings than you could process while driving (and eating a cheeseburger while talking on the phone and finding your favorite radio station), heh, heh...

SIXSLUG

My opinion would be the same as Sheriffav8r's.

You would need the overhead console, computer, sensor for temps, wiring and plugs and other stuff, plus a lot of modifications to install it all.

A good GPS and a Programmer and you'd have it all and then some.

I'd take a clean driveline, lower mileaged truck over a loaded one any day.

BTW, the NV5600 parts aren't as hard to find as rumored. A good trans shop shouldn't have any trouble finding what you need.

dezl-andy

i agree clean trucks are getting hard to find, im was in the same deal your in now with my current truck. its clean but a plain jane, im slowly adding stuff on though.

dguru

Keyless entry is easy. I installed one from an 84 Lincoln Mark VII. I used that unit because I had a few of them in spare parts. I have a few Lincoln BMW powered diesels. Looks factory because I used a black keypad from an Explorer. Matches the door handles.

The overhead console was easy for me as I have a 94 model without the computer. It just has temperature, compass and auto mirror. I got the console, mirror and visors from a 1500 with the harness and spliced it into the diesel harness.

Your truck is a bit more complicated because of the mileage computer but I have a suggestion. You could add a console from a 94-98 like I have. You may have to rework the mounting because they mount different. I have both types in my hand now as I have many spares of both kinds. The 94-98 has 2 clips and 2 screws. The 01 has 4 clips and is bigger to have room for a garage door opener and sunglass holder. The headliners are about the same.

I just pulled the 01 Manual and it looks like it is almost as easy as the 94. There is a battery(PK), run/start(DB/WT), back up lamp wire(VT/BK) and ground(BK/LG). There are 2 wires for the temp sender(VT/LG BK/VT). Another wire for the dome lamp ground switches(YL). Here is where it is different. There is a twisted pair of wires that connects to joint connector 7 between the antilock brake system and the PCM. You simply plug the twisted pair wires into joint connector 7 matching the colors VT/BR and WY/BK. This is a BUS wire connection so when you power up all the computers will start talking to each other through the same wires. I don't think the PCM will require reprogramming. There is another wire (BK) in case you have VTSS alarm system but is not needed. It is just lighting an LED in the console. All this info can be found in the 01 manual on page 8W-49-1 to 6.

With that said all you need is the console harness, console, mirror, visors and temp sender. Just like I did my 94. Everything connects under the dash above your driver foot. All connections are on joint connectors except the temp sender. The temp sender wires may be in the main harness from the BIG plug to under the hood. Look under the hood where the hood lamp wire comes off the firewall and see if you see a coiled wire with a plug zip tied. The temp sender on a 01 is on the hood, not by the radiator. You can use parts from a 1500, 2500 or 3500; gas or diesel.