Help this old man out here men. How important are these guages. I have a 05 3500 Dually AUTO and tow a 14,000# 5th wheel.
I don't horse things just drive on down the road, I know the trans temp is important inregards to heat and I don't push it in hot weather.
My feeling is if it was that important the darn company would put this stuff on the truck before it left the factory. However I am probably wrong...
In the manuel there are no numbers to numbers or temps to compair. I seen some guages in Diesel Manor web site about $280.00. Looks like a good kit, so please tell me. If I put these guages on what would be the NO NO Limits on Pyro??? Boost????? and Temp????
Any help would be appreciate, I really take care of my beautiful truck and I don't want something thing bad to happen.....OK If you think I need the guages, ANY OF YOU live close to Topeka Kansas and want to assist in the installation for a cup of coffee OR SOMETHING BETTER????????

I appreciate your help Men. Thank You John

 

You might want to do some searches in the 3rd gen forums for more information, but here's some info. to start with.

1) I got my gauges from Dieselmanor. The kit was fairly complete, save for a couple of additional connectors I had to get from the hardware store. Pics of my gauges are in my gallery.

2) The boost for a stock truck is probably no higher than 30 lbs. I'd still recommend getting a 60 lb. gauge though.

3) If you're leaving your truck stock you might want to consider getting a fuel pressure gauge instead of a boost gauge (that is, if you're planning on just getting three gauges total).

4) Pyro - I THINK the current maxes are 1200 degrees if your temp probe is pre-turbo and 900 degrees if the probe is post-turbo. Shut down temps should be about 300 degrees either pre- or post-turbo.

5) You'll have to get someone else to chime in on the tranny temps - I have a manual.

Maybe one of the admins should move this to one of the 3rd gen forums ?

 

For an 05, recommended EGT limit is 1350. Tranny limit is 220 or so. It takes more heat to damage your tranny, but if it gets that high, you probably want to cool it down before continuing.
For stock engine, you probably do not need to worry about boost as I think an 05 has an electronic waste gate, but I could be wrong. If not, probably 30lb max.
You may want to consider the Quadzilla Recon XZT digital gauge set. It gives you pyro, boost, and trans temp for $249 or less. I am still waiting on more reviews to come in on this system.

 

I feel the general consensus around here is if you don't have any mods then you really don't need gauges. Having said that, you are pulling near your truck's max rating, and gauges are somewhat entertaining. If you have $300 burning a hole in your pocket, a few hours to burn on installation, and don't mind losing some dash/overhead space then do it. You probably won't regret it as gauges alone shouldn't be enough to invite any warranty challanges from a decent dealer.

Here's how I did mine (went with Diesel Manor if I remember right, but Geno's is a good source as well):

 

i have boost and pyro on my stock truck. i know they werent really needed, but its nice to know how hard the engine is working. and, when ido start bombing it, ill already be ready. i can hit 34 psi stock. i got the 60 psoi gauge. also, pyro wise, i can hit 1200 unloaded by just rowing the gears. i have heard 1350-1400 is ok on these trucks. i start watching it real close when i get near 1200. only time i got above was in the hill country on some good grades towing my jeep, i eased off of my 70 mph cruise control went it passed the 1200 mark, just being overcautious

i wish i had bought a fuel pressure gaugge at the same time. dieselmanor was awesome and my kit had everything needed. $.02

 

that looks awsome

 

I want to thank you men for the information, like I said I don't have any modification upgrades, this truck does everything I want it to and I am very happy with the way it pulls my MONTANA 38' 14000# 5th wheel - at 70 with the air on I will run 11.8 to 12.4 hand calculated. It only has 11,000 mile's on it. I guess it might get better with more mileage. I just really care about the upkeep and lub on this truck and don't want to do anything that might damage it, if I can help it. Like I said I am an old man, probably going to be the last truck I will EVER OWN. Thank You men for the informantion John

 

Thanks, can't complain.

(Just need somewhere to stick that stupid cellphone now...)

 

Hemlockusa.....I keep asking myself the same question....Do I really need gauges? The answer is probably ...no.... BUT, I do want to keep an eye on temperatures when I'm towing our fifth wheel (also a Montana by the way). I'm the same way...I want to take care of this truck and keep it a good long while.

There are no major modifications planned so I came to the conclusion I don't need the boost gauge. I'm going with the tranny temp. and pyrometer. They're going on the "A" pillar and I really don't want that third gauge staring me in the eye all the time anyway. When backing up a trailer they say automatic transmission temp. goes up in a hurry, the gauge will come in handy for that. What good is an idiot light....it comes on after your already too hot.

I think what the gauges will do is give peace of mind and let you get more of a feel for how hard your truck is working. I say you should get them (mine are coming for Christmas).

Hey John....about that old man stuff, 65 isn't exactly a spring chicken but your young enough at heart to be enjoying these trucks and pulling trailers and stuff. Alot of guys at 65 wouldn't even think of doing what your doing...way to go!

I'm looking at 50 next April....send me a Private Message and tell what I've got to look forward to.

I think I'll go have a coffee or "Maybe something Better"...

 

I do not think most people have realized what a value this little gauge is. It does a lot of things most gauges cannot do and it does a lot of things that much more expensive gauges do.

It is also amazingly simple to install and easy to mount and does not require purchasing a mount or modifying any part of the interior to mount it in a good location.


I think if you give it a little time you will see a lot of reviews on it. We have sold quite a few without a single complaint so far! I am sure someone will eventually complain but, none yet!

 

I think that the Dipricols are the best match for a 3rd gen truck, I have 3 dipricols and 3 isspros and the dipricols look like the factory gauges.

CRIS

 

I'm the New Guy' but my Dad says "If you don't know what's going on, you won't have a clue as to what happened, when it does"....

He's a 75 Year Old 12Valve Guru' .....Retired Off Road Truck Logger Nutter' who know so much about Cummins Diesels, the Dealers are phoning him constantly....

I just got into an 06' Mega Laramie 4X4 a few months ago (first diesel) and installed the Quadzillar Commander Monitor' and now I know....

Guages are cheap' given the potential consequences'......Just ask Dad'...

Guages are essential, if you care'....

Cheers'

 

I pull a 16k 5th in the mountains. If you get into really steep stuff the trans temp can climb pretty quick, but you can tell when the trans isn't locking so you don't reall need the gauge. The boost gauge is a nice to know but doesn't make any difference. The EGT on the other hand is something I find very important. I have found times where the trans doesn't kick down soon enough and the lugging will spike the EGts at an alarming rate. If I had a standard I think I would be fine, but with the 4 speed auto it is a great tool, but once again only if you are climbing.

 

With the auto and towing, I'd for sure get a gauge mounted in the line to the cooler. From what I've heard 220 won't hurt the tranny but it will break down the ATF.

I also really like a pyro. I don't have one in this truck yet, but it's nice to have. With the engine stock, I couldn't get it to hit much over 1200, but it is nice to take the guesswork out of cool down.

Boost, I don't think a stock engine would ever get high enough to be bad for the engine, but it can be intertaining to watch.

 

I tow a 13K 5er in the mountain and totally agree gauges help. Remember the air is thinner and pulling long grades things can heat up.

Hints for mountain towing
1. Keeping RPM 1800 or above, this helps with EGT
2. Keep the TC locked. Downshift if you need to to lock the TC for cooler Trans temps.

Just a note I added an led light that comes on when the TC is locked. about 7 dollars. I was a young man when I add the led, I was only 62.