What gauges for a diesel swap?

[Harrinad]

Hello, does anybody have some tips for what the critical gauges might be for a 4bt swap? I thought of a bunch of gauges but dont really want the car to feel like a cockpit when Im done.
Oil pressure
Tach
Fuel level
Boost pressure
Hour meter (not sure how to make the odometer work)
Water temp
Exhaust temp
Tranny temp
Voltage

[SJTD]

I added Fuel Pr, Manifold Pr and Ex Temp on the A-pillar my Dodge.

Where's the lift pump on a 4BT?

I'm kinda doing the cockpit thing on my project:
Manifold Pr
Tach
Exh T
Oil Pr
Oil T
Water T
Fuel Pr
Fuel Level
Amps
Volts
Got a spare hole so maybe Air Pr

[Tigger4X]

I've been looking to do the same on my '79 J20. I haven't been able to figure out which A-pillar mount fits in an FSJ, but I remembered the dash panel overlay from BJs Off Road https://www.bjsoffroad.com/Gauge-Pan...eft_p_470.html and went looking for gauge options. Unfortunately for me I couldn't find any where they were all mechanical instead of a mix or all electric; just a quirk/preference. What I did find was a large speedo/tach combo, a large 4 gauge combo which left the 4 spots left to fill if I use the BJs overlay, although I would prefer larger gauges for the more important items I want to stand out/be easily visible. I did consider trying to make a dashpod of sorts to mount 2 1/16" gauges on top of the dash, but found this universal mount for 3 gauges. Something like this would bring those diesel specific gauges up into a more easily seen place. I'd like to find one that can have four though. Has anyone found other options?

https://www.autometer.com/universal-triple-2-1-16-dash-pod.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw3duCBhCAARIsAJeFyPXZkF8bOnhALAW8pZ3mIdRWLOUNCJddTXGSIRYAgz1kZc8sPeH2QdYaAoKAEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Sorry for the ramble. Back to which gauges are critical. The line up of what I am considering is . . .

Speedo
Tach

Volts
Fuel level
Coolant temp
Oil pressure

Turbo pressure(boost) & temp(pyro)
Fuel pressure
Oil temp (?)


Having a manual trans I'm not sure if trans temp is a concern, or if it could be readily added on a T-18?

[SJTD]

Forgot Manifold Pr in my list so added it.

I've got a stick too so not bothering with Temp but seems like you could weld a port into the PTO cover if you wanted it.

How about Hyd Pr if you have hydo boost brakes or Vacuum if you have vac assist.

[Harrinad]

Thanks for the inputs, I wasnt actually trying to brainstorm more gauges to add, I was trying to narrow the list to whats most important. At this point your gauges are going to cost more than the engine!

[Tigger4X]

Forgot Manifold Pr in my list so added it.

I've got a stick too so not bothering with Temp but seems like you could weld a port into the PTO cover if you wanted it.

How about Hyd Pr if you have hydo boost brakes or Vacuum if you have vac assist.

Manifold pressure? <brainfade> Purpose?

I hadn't thought of using the PTO cover. Excellent idea! Thanks

I don't have hydroboost as of yet, but that might be an add I'll consider when I do. Vac assist? <insertmorebrainfadehere>

[Tigger4X]

Thanks for the inputs, I wasnt actually trying to brainstorm more gauges to add, I was trying to narrow the list to whats most important. At this point your gauges are going to cost more than the engine!

I think what we are listing is what we think are necessary. Apologies if you thought we hijacked your thread. Have you checked 4BTswaps yet? Or any other diesel forum? I also belong to CumminsForums which has been helpful.

And I agree with you on cost. I had no idea how much they cost until I started researching for my diesel project. I have considered used gauges, but haven't found what I'd like either size wise or quality wise.

[scout4bta]

The 2 important gauges for a Diesel are the EGT and Boost.
You need to mount the probe for the EGT just before the turbo and centered if you can.
The boost port can be placed at the turbo or all the way around to the intake. I prefer next to the intake. Incase you get a leak it will show on the gauge, mounted at the turbo not so much.

[devildog80]

Bumping this thread back to life

Just brought home a 1984 Grand Wagoneer, and like the idea of the A pillar gauge set, but asking if there is a mod for the FSJ pillar yet?

Mine will not be a diesel conversion, but want some accessory gauges for transmission temp, vacuum draw, possible (2) axle temp gauges, and really like the A pillar look.

Anybody found something like this yet, or do I find someone with a 3D printer to make one for me?

[DieselSJ]

I used one of these pods in my Waggy. I have boost, pyro and oil pressure in there. Under dash I have coolant temp, trans temp and oil temp. Plus all my stock gauges work.

https://www.glowshiftdirect.com/universal-triple-gauge-dashboard-pod-with-dome-lip/

[devildog80]

Thanks, but looking for A pillar mount.

I did Google search, and looks like most pillar mounts are universal, with ability to customize with a heat gun to fit.

Thought I would ask to see if one brand is perhaps preferred over another, as they really seem to be very similar, and can even get in TAN color to match my interior.

Also need to redo my complete head liner, and thinking of adding a console up there when I do. One with a compass and clock would be a nice addition.

[Heep-J4000]

Never found a A pillar gauge pod for the full size jeeps.
The pillars on the jeep are small and could be a problem with going in and out of the truck with the gauges sticking out to much.

For my 73' j4000 12 valve Cummins conversion I'm going with speedometer
Oil pressure
Coolant temp
Fuel level
Voltage

And a diesel rpm gauge on the steering column.
Thinking about a egt ,boost and fuel pressure gauge set from glowshift.
Probably making a custom pod that mounts on the underside of the dash near the shift stick.

And probably also putting the hour gauge back on somewhere!

[devildog80]

Ok, so if I can get one figured out, might be interesting.

Here is one I was thinking of trying, as the video's online show fitting these with a heat gun for mold-to-fit the pillar. Runs about $65 for this one in TAN, but some are only $20.

Google search shows these for near any make or model cars and trucks from mid '90's to present. Sure there is one that would work.

Will be awhile, but will post results when done, as I think I will give it a shot

41zRwsv3SnL._AC_SL1000_ by Scott Weckerly, on Flickr

[SJTD]

Manifold pressure? <brainfade> Purpose?

I hadn't thought of using the PTO cover. Excellent idea! Thanks

I don't have hydroboost as of yet, but that might be an add I'll consider when I do. Vac assist? <insertmorebrainfadehere>

I see I never elucidated.

Manifold pressure would be "boost".

Vac assist would be your typical power brakes.

[Tigger4X]

Ok, so if I can get one figured out, might be interesting.

. . .

Will be awhile, but will post results when done, as I think I will give it a shot

I for one would like to know how this turns out!