Ok, I have a '91 p/u. Its not an SR5 so it doesn't have the complete guage cluster w/tach etc <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />. I'm trying to decide if I want to cannibalize an SR5 cluster of a wrecked truck or invest in a side-mounted guage pod. Anyone know of someone who makes a good side mounted pod, or are there any other good guage mounting options?

Hi,

I make a triple gauge pilar for the 89-95 trucks and 4Runners (I also make a different one for 84-88 trucks/4Runners). Info, prices, etc. are on my web site:

http://www.well.com/user/mosk/gaugepillars2.htm

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Jeff

I went through this whole thing with my engine swap. I only wanted 2 gauges and I could only find triple pillars that were too much $$$ for me. I ended up buying a single pillar pod from Autometer for 3rd gen 4runner/Tacoma and shaping it with heat to fit. Then I trimmed off the excess and they fit perfect. I think the part number is 15411. Its the same pod that TRD uses for their boost gauge.

Only one guage pod? What guage did you end up putting in it? I know I wanna have at least two pods for oil pressure and volts. And I'll probable just mount the tach on the steering column.

I would use Mosk's gauge pod if I were you. Well built and designed by a fellow Toyota enthusiast.

Ok, where do I find some info on this gauge pod?

I would start at the web site he posted!!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

http://www.well.com/user/mosk/gaugepillars2.htm

Mosk's gauge pod looks very cool and since there are few or no others around like it, sounds like a viable alternative.

However, you should also consider the factory instrument cluster. You can swap in a factory tach cluster with little hassle, since your truck is prewired for it.

Just a couple of things to consider:

You'll need to replace you idiot light oil pressure sending unit with a gauge sending unit. You can order from Toyota for about $50 or better yet, get the one that came from the same truck as the cluster, as there are two different part numbers floating out there.

Do not turn on the ignition with the new cluster in, until the new gauge sending unit is hooked up. Not the idiot light sender, or it will fry the oil pressure gauge.

Try to get a cluster that came from the same engine as yours so the tach will match up.

Engine temp, volt meter, tach, and fuel gauge should all work as normal. The low fuel warning light on the new cluster will probably not work as these lights require a 4 wire fuel sender, and yours is probably the standard 2 wire.

Around 1992/1993 and later clusters had electronic speedos. Earlier clusters had cable speedos. Make sure you get the cluster that matches your set up.

Keep in the mind, the Toyota oil pressure gauge is little more than a glorified idiot light. It does move back and forth as oil pressure increases and decreases, but the amount will actually vary depending on the truck, when made, and age of gauge/sending unit. There's a reason why there are no numbers that gauge. The only thing it's really good for is to tell you that if the needle is past zero, you have oil pressure, if not, either you don't or the wire fell off the sending unit.

What I did was put a little idiot light in place of the oil pressure gauge and use the stock idiot light sending unit in the second oil pressure port, to the right of the stock oil pressure port. Then I use the stock oil pressure port for my VDO oil pressure gauge sending unit for my aftermarket VDO gauge, which sits on my dash.

Here's a picture to give you a general idea. The custom oil pressure light is just to the left of the tach.

Oh Oh Oh pick me, pick me!

Made a little FAQ for quick reference and because this question gets acked so often...

SR5 Cluster Swap FAQ:
http://www.siestaoff-road.web1000.com/clustertech.html

Hi Jeff-
I am guessing the pillar gauge mount would preclude a later install of AllPro's in-cab roll cage?
Actually, I have wing windows (a wunnerful thing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/coolg.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/coolg.gif" alt="" /> ) and I think THEY might preclude an install of AllPro's in-cab roll cage - unless I never want to swing them around backwards. I could be wrong though...