I just joined this site Saturday, but have had my truck for a little over a year. I keep seeing people say to get gauges as soon as you get your truck. I have yet to put in gauges, because I can't afford them yet. Are they as important to get if I have already had to replace the injection pump? Another question. I want to put on a new exhaust system, what is the best way to go? I sort of like the MBRP systems. Are they good? Also , I have 185,000 miles on my automatic transmission, is there any problems I should be watching out for? One more, how can I get better milage? I am only getting 16.5 out of my stock truck. Thanks.

 

Well first off welcome to the site. Ok, let's begin. If you plan to remain stock, the only guage I would definitely recommend is a fuel pressure guage. If you haul heavy loads, then maybe a trans temp guage. You don't really need all the pyrometer, boost, etc. until you start adding the mods. However, it's always nice to watch all the info even if you are fully stock, but not completely necessary whatsoever. Next, the MBRP systems are pretty nice...fairly nice sound, but ask anyone on here and they wiull say either straight pipe all the way with muffler and resonator delete or straight pipe and leave the resonator. Either way, pretty awesome sound and flow. As for the tranny, if you don't dog the truck and and keep the fluids changed the only thing you may have to worry about in the somewhat near future are clutch adjustments, but you'll know when its time for that. As long as the stock tranny is well maintained and left stock, you shouldn't have any worries. When we start adding the power and performance mods like many others and myself have done, this is when the tranny becomes an issue.

 

Good info above. Do you have auto or hand shaker? The auto is bad for being sloppy, eats up fuel on you bad! Solved with a good TC and valve body.

 

I understand the finances issue with regard to gauges. I would certainly recomend the fuel pressure gauge. I had replaced my lift pump and without my fuel pressure gauge, I would still be driving around on a failing lift pump!Fuel pressure dropping to 5psi and you can't tell by driving the truck. Get the fuel pressure gauge! Drat there doesn't seem to be spell check here.. oh well.
Alan

 

I have the automatic.