I have a 2001 dodge 3500 with only 48k, i was needed to know how to install a fuel guage. also my truck is all stock except for no muffler. will never run a chip or programmer so that being said whats a good fuel pump replacement to install for the money. thanks for the help.

 

the vp44 is the hardest one on gauges of them all. go to genosgarage.com and get a auto meter AM-3279 snubber for $26.95 and a BF-tapped banjo bolt for $7 go to auto zone and get a copper line oil pressure gauge installation kit for $8 it has all of the fittings needed + 6 feet if line go to wwgranger and get a 30 psi glycerin filled gauge for about $15 get one with 1/8 fitting. place the snubber on the banjo bolt or the rattling of the line will drive you crazy. i use a raptor pump on most of my vp44's but have used a fass direct dodge replacement lift pump, i got it from genos for around $240. the fass pump is easy to install and genos will next day air. my supplier of the raptor charges about $180 but can not deliver very fast. i finally figured out to keep one in stock.

 

What about the red light warning, that they sell that turns on if you get below 5psi. that seems a lot easier to install. even though you cant monitor it as long as you are not below 5psi you good to go anyways right.

 

how do you bend the copper line, never have done before. i think i like the idea of a guage better than a warning light.

 

The copper is very small in diameter, just use your fingers, but be careful not to kink it. If you have a lot of excess left over you could make a loop, or if you plan to cut it to length I might suggest using a dremel with a cut off wheel on it. If you use side snips to cut it, chances are the tubing will get pinched before actually cut. Trying to ream the end out true again will be time consuming, but it can be done.

A warning light is actually not a bad idea, just like the other ones that glow on your instrument cluster when things go wrong. I actually had the low psi kit on mine before the gauge and it saved me big time. When I installed the gauge, I put a "T" fitting and have both. Your peripheral vision will alert you if the red light is glowing when you're not watching the gauge.

 

Easiest way to add a fuel pressure gauge is to get a Vulcan Universal Fuel Pressure Line from genosgarage. Makes it easy to hook up your sending unit to fuel pressure port on VP-44. Other thing I would recommend is using a "needle valve" on the line so you can control the flow of fuel in the line. You just need to barely crack open the needle valve to get a good fuel pressure reading. If you don't use a needle valve your fuel pressure gauge will be jumping all over the place & it will drive you crazy.

The FASS DDRP is a good fuel pump if you're looking for the cheapest replacement for stock pump. I've been running one for about a year now & have been pleased with mine.

 

Do not use copper line you want something that will flex. Copper line will fatigue and eventually break due to the vibration of the engine. Use 1/8" DOT approved air brake line.

 

one the snubber is better than the needle valve. two the copper line has been used for over 80 years on oil and fuel gauges. three we have them on our dodges and some have near or over 1,000,000 miles on them with the copper line.

 

does anyone have any pics of what this should look like, sorry if i see it i could do it, just hard for me to read something and then do it. thanks

 

Well isnt that special. Just because something has been done or used for 80 years, doesnt mean its the best setup. Times change and new and better ways of doing things come along that make the old ways obsolete. I guess you can do it your way and I will do it my way.

 

needle valve is better than a snubber, because when the copper line breaks you can shut off the fuel

 

Theres an idea

 

I put the needle valve and the snubber on mine because I had and Autometer elec. gauge and it failed 3 times when I finally changed to mechanical. I tried every idea to regulate the fuel hammering the gauge. Still failed, so I used them both with the mechanical gauge. I also used the flex line that is stainless wrapped from Geno's. No problems at all.

I wouldn't use the copper either. Much higher chance of failure from vibration. Install the needle valve and if you ever have trouble you have a quick solution.....shut it off.

 

well i went ahead and ordered everything, they said would be just as good to put on the fuel filter housing on the back there is a bolt. they said there is not as much fluctuation at that spot and still gives a good reading. yall thank that would be fine. being that i am not going to do away with the stock filter. if anything will just buy airdog replacement raptor.

 

Dr. Evil-
Have not heard from you in a while. I love your replies.
How many miles on your truck?
How many VP44's & LP's?
What is your favorite replacement of each?
I value your opinion!!