OK So I am finally going to install some real guages on my 2008 F250 5.4L. I am going to pick up the 3 guage pod by autometer, and I am thinking of going with the z-series guages. I want to get water temperature, oil pressure, and transmission temperature. I would have like to also gotten a volt meter, but there is not a 4 guage pod.

Anyway, I think I am going to use the ttest port for the transmission temperature. I was gong to put it inline with one of the cooland lines, but would rather not cut the tubing. What about locations for the oil pressure, and water temperature sending units? Any ideas?

 

Take a look at the scangage II, it would do all that and more and no senders to install

 

I Like the idea behind the scan gage, but remember, it is only telling you what the computer thinks it is seeing, so, bad sensor=bad readings.

I am sorry to the OP, but I have not playes with your motor as of yet, use to be though you could get oil presure at the Oil filter housing. There were also places in the head that you could remove a pipe plug, but I dont know anymore..

 

Reason I want the aftermarket is because I just don't trust the ones on the dash. So Scangage is out. I want secondary info.

 

Keep in mind that although the factory gages are crap (actually more like idiot lights) the oem sensors are top notch. I have the Scangage II and can tell you that the information is very accurate. You of course have to decide for yourself what is right for you, but I am here to say I am very happy with the Scangage

 

Scanguage does not show tranny temp, or oil pressure. Only shows:

» Fuel Economy
» Fuel Rate
» Battery Voltage
» Coolant Temperature
» Intake Air Temperature
» Engine Speed (RPM)
» Vehicle speed (MPH and KM/H)
» Manifold Pressure
(not available on some vehicles)
» Engine Load
» Throttle Position
» Ignition Timing
» Open/Closed Loop

 

Actually it does do trans temp and many other readings through the extended commands. You can download a chart and enter some codes to enable these extra functions. I absolutely use the trans temp every day, this was one of the main gages I wanted for snowplowing.

 

This link is from there site: http://www.scangauge.com/support/pdfs/XGAUGE.pdf I think the only problem you would have is oil pressure. On the plus side you could get volts and some other cool things.

 

Thanks for the info and the links. I think I am still going to go with the analog guages. I am a firm believer that they are easier to "read". With a quick glance you can tell what is going on.

 

I put my trans temp in the test port and it works great. Mine's a 4R100 but I'm sure the testport on the Torqshift would work just as good.

I don't know what would be best for water temp...

If there's no easy way to get to the oil pressure, you could use an "oil filter adapter". I used one made by GlowShift and it works great. Here's a link to the one I bought:
Oil Filter Sender Adapter - 22mm 1.5 Thread

 

There has to be an existing oil pressure switch/sending unit that I can tee into....

 

In your first post you mentioned a three guage pod, and you said that there is not a four guage pod. If you are refering to the pillar guage pod, then yes there is a four guage pod. You can buy them on Ebay. There is also a single pod that goes on top of the stearing column, and a three guage cluster that mounts under the little holding compartment just to the right of the stearing column. There is even one that can mount up by the rearview mirror that I think holds four. Good luck.

 

There is, but accessing it is a little tight.

See an old thread of mine on the subject, specifically, the posts by Krewat. His is a V10 but it should be the same on a 5.4L.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ding-unit.html

 

Found the stock sending unit. No way I am I going to get at that with out getting angry. I am going to go with the adapter. Evey have any problems with it coming loose. I assume it just threads on like an oil filter, so I can see it may come loose is not careful.

Also for the 2008 there is not quad pod they only have them for the 99 to 07.

 

That was my thoughts on the stock sending unit location as well.

The adapter just slides up on the oil filter threads and the threaded part you see in the middle is a "nut" that tightens down on the original oil filter threads to attach the adapter. This design allows us to install the adapter at whatever angle we need to make sure the sending units don't interfere with anything. As opposed to having fixed threads and twisting it on like a filter -- you'd have to leave it wherever it happens to get tight.

I check it every oil change (three times) and haven't found it loose so far.