Az40cal

Hey guys, yes this is my first thread.
I did an advanced search first, and did not come up with anything.
I have a stock 01, and have put mechanical gauges in everything I have ever owned. The problem: This ain't my cummins. it's small.
I haven't been able to figure out where to put gauges in this thing.
Should I trust the given dash gauges and OBD2 monitoring?
I don't want to hack the dash on this vehicle; this time. Its too nice!
I am looking for pics or any help on instrumentation, and am open to options.
I haven't taken it on extended trips just yet, but will tow a small trailer.
(yes, I put a tranny cooler on it right away.)
Also, I haven't seen any APillar mounts anywhere yet. And, is that even good?
Thanks!

OverlandZJ

Welcome...

There is an A-Pillar Pod that fits the XJ. That would be a great place for a trans temp gauge. I'll see if i can find a link to the Pod.

The stock gauges arent know to lie, but as with any other rig the senders can start to go sending an inaccurate reading. They dont cost more than your typical replacements either.

OverlandZJ

Here ya go. Heres a dual pod.

http://www.allcargauges.com/product....&cat=47&page=1


Quite a few other guys have also installed the trans temp gauge in front of the transfer case shifter on the flat surface facing you. Thats a very good location if you need room for just one gauge.

I havent decided if i want the pod or not yet.

prerunner1982

Since my gauges have the typical XJ gauge problem I have been contemplating going to full Autometer gauges. Still haven't found an XJ that has one or see a write up on doing such an install...

Az40cal

thanks for the link. The ad states the pod fits through 98. Do you know if there are any differences in the A pillar on an 01 which I have?

How about electronic- like the dash mount ones they sell for my cummins that monitor everything. Anyone have experience with these?

I definitely understand about the aging senders built by the lowest bidder. I am questioning the low oil pressure this rig has had since i bought it.

I thought about building a pod on the top of the dash, however, due to the low windshield line I did not want to limit visibility. I guess worst case scenario is weatherproof hood mount gauges. I've only seen fuel pressure on those, and do not know if they make oil, volt, and water temp in that fashion let alone cost!

Az40cal

I do like the pod going back, what about this. Is the dash in an XJ the same as a TJ? they sure look the same when comparing 01's.

http://www.allcargauges.com/product.php?productid=10639

OverlandZJ

I dont think there is a difference in the a-pillars from a 98 to an 01. The interior changed in 97 so..

Are you asking about the ScanGauge? I dont have any experience with them personally, but have seen numerous threads on them. Google should bring a ton of info.

http://www.scangauge.com/

I dont think the TJ pod would fit in an XJ..

djb383

ScanGauge.......don't leave home without it. Plug-n-play and move it from one '96+ vehicle to the next in seconds.

djb383

Which stock cooler line did you run to the auxiliary cooler.....top or bottom?

Az40cal

Hey,
I routed the cooler to the top line in the radiator. I also pulled off the whole front end to mount it. I did not want to sandwich it to the condenser. I made aluminum brackets to hold it in place. I will post the pic if I can find it.

On the scan gauge, doesn't it use data bus info from factory sensors just like my dash gauges? Or do you mount your own sensors for it and route the wiring? I will definitely bring it up on google and other threads to see, it looks pretty cool.

djb383

I'll take all the pics you can post regarding your tranny cooler install. Read another post about the top line being the return line back to the tranny. That's definitely the one to run to the auxiliary cooler, then back to the tranny. Going to be doing the install myself shortly. Good idea NOT to install the cooler touching the a/c condenser or rad. I've seen those installs rub a pin hole from vibration and that ain't good.

The ScanGauge just plugs into the factory OBD2 ALDL port that's under the dash on all '96+ vehicles. Just plug-n-play, nothing to install.

Az40cal

I'll get those pics. I put a full size cooler off a 3/4 ton I had. You got to have a flaring tool to make it work. Also, I wanted extra sacraficial tubing- So I pulled the top line off a bone yard donor. I found it best to route behind the headlight, its so much easier to just pull the front faring off, then you have all the room you need.