Column gauge pod

[max2max]

Here are some pics of my last mod to the 05 Dak. I added a two-gauge meter pod to the steering column for transmission and water temperatures. The pod has to be painted. I got the pod, gauges, and paint from Summit Racing.

I bypassed the transmission cooler in the radiator with and after market Hayden 679 cooler. Made my own cooler mounts out of ¾” wide x 1/8 thick metal. I used brass fittings to locate the temp sensor on the incoming hose from the transmission to the cooler, as I wanted to know worst-case temperature from transmission.

The transmission operates about 125º and will go above 150º in stop and go traffic. The transmission no longer operates at 180º or higher since removing it from the OEM cooler in the bottom of the radiator.

I installed the water temp sensor by replacing the bleed plug that was located by the upper radiator hose. Here again I am reading the engine temperature before it goes thru the radiator.

I was able to route the wiring to the sensors thru a rubber plug located between the door and body frame. No drilling of the body was required to route the sensor wires into the engine compartment.

[AdidasCJ]

i like the colulm mounted gauges! that looks very nice.

[ruppert]

I am waiting for the Pillar mount gauges for my 06 Dak. Anyone know where I can get some?

[AdidasCJ]

I am waiting for the Pillar mount gauges for my 06 Dak. Anyone know where I can get some?

i cant use the pillar mount ones, i have a handle on my pillar

[ruppert]

I have a handle as well, but I think an oil pressure gauge and alternator gauge are more important. If I get to the point that I can't get into my truck without a handle, its time to get a $#%&.

[SnApOn]

Yea i was looking into the pillar mounted gauges also...anyone make anything besides those "universal" ones?

[max2max]

Not that I am aware of, I was looking for the pillar post. But had to settled for the column pod. Good luck.

[RMUDBUGS]

I like it. Is that pod listed for our trucks at summet?

[highdollar]

Nice Job..
very OEM looking..
$

[max2max]

Since Highdollar emailed me. I am including info missing in my last post. The column pod is summit racing part no. ATM-15014 and the paint is part no. VHT-SP980. The paint color is close but is not a perfect match. The steering column dodge uses in the Dakota 05 & 06 is the same one used in the Ram. I am not current on the 07 model it maybe the same also. The gauges are still working fine and I have had no problems with this installation.

[aw738]

How did you mount the cooler? Did you bolt it to the A/C condenser or did you add a bracket that can't be seen?

[max2max]

How did you mount the cooler? Did you bolt it to the A/C condenser or did you add a bracket that can't be seen?

I made my own mounting brackets from two pieces of 3/4” x 1/8” x 3’ strap metal from the local hardware store. The strap metal is bent in an L shape using a propane torch and my shop vise.

The long side of the L shape is 14” and short side is 4”. Make the bent in the strap metal before cutting the sides to length. The brackets where predrilled and spray painted before installation to the truck. I used ¼ x 20 bolts with nylon stop nuts & lock washers for all the installation.

The pictures included should help. You will notice on the upper mounting holes I first had to drill thru the front part of frame to drill out the backside.

The lower mounting holes in the frame where drilled out from below the vehicle. After installation there will be about 5/8” of clearance from the backside of the transmission cooler and the AC cooler surfaces. I spent a Saturday afternoon making the brackets and installing just the transmission cooler. Did the cooling lines a few days later. Just take the time and try not to hurry thru the project.

[blackbee]

nice work!!!