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AKMark
06 Dec 08, 05:07 pm
Okay, I'm having an issue uploading pictures at the moment, but thought I'd get the writing out of the way first.


Have an 05 Avalanche with a 4L65 trans (per the label).

First I pulled the dash cover, then I marked the pillar to show where the gauge pod would be located. I then pulled the pillar.


I had to remove the vent/headlight control/4x4 control/cargo/fog light panel. It pulled out very easily, and of course I disconnected the four or five plugs in the back.

I wired the constant power in with my power lock system and put the switched in with the windshield wipers. I can easily get them their own circuits later if that's a problem, but didn't have the parts to do that at this time. Set the ground to a stud near the fuse box by the door.

Then came the fun part. I had to remove the front driveshaft to get at the driver's side of the transmission. Once it was out of the way I reached above the linkage box and removed (11MM wrench) the plug to the transmission pump pressure test port. I had parked the truck on an incline and no fluid leaked out. I wrapped the sensor with teflon tape and put it in the port. I quickly grounded the black wire (as per the directions) and routed the white one back up to the dash to the gauge.

I then used heatshrink on all the connections and mounted the pod on the pillar, and reinstalled the pillar. I then tested the gauge to make sure the wires were right before I covered the wires with the dash. Go figure, the gauge powered up fine, but was pegged at max. I checked the manual and it said that if the trans is cold and the needle reads maximum that the sensor is probably wired in backward. Well, I had put black to ground and white to the lead, but apparently my sensor came out of the factory on Friday. With a few snips and a couple more pieces of heatshrink it was indicating cold like it was supposed to.

I put the dash back together and before testing the gauge, installed my brake controller and my CB. I'm still trying to figure out where I'm going to mount my antenna (not many good mounting locations on the back of this vehicle), but the rest is good to go.

Went for a drive and with a mix of city and a few 65 mph blasts on the highway got the temp to about 150 which is considered normal for this transmission when it's not working very hard.

Total cost of gauge and pod, less than $50 with shipping.

Next modification, coil assist air bags. I need to get more heat shield before I start that one, the package comes with what is normally enough shielding, but I have dual exhaust which requires a little bit more to keep the bags from getting to hot.

AKMark
13 Dec 08, 08:30 am
Here's a picture of the gauge.

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/3/3/3/021.jpg

ChevyKev
13 Dec 08, 08:18 pm
Good stuff!

AKMark
13 Dec 08, 08:56 pm
Here's a few more shots from that day.

CB (note factory IPOD hook up coming out of the glove box)
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/3/3/3/cb.jpg
Antenna
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/3/3/3/antenna.jpg
Brake controller
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/3/3/3/020.jpg


And a front shot of the truck itself.
http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/3/3/3/front.jpg


I was feeling good the other day and picked up a few diodes and hooked up the headlights so that the Lo beams and fogs stay on when you turn on the highs. Figured a little more light wouldn't hurt, and since it has separate bulbs for hi and low, no problem!

Working on setting up the Daytime running lamps to stay on as well. Need a few more diodes to make it happen. Will take pics later.

Also bought a leveling kit. The rear sits a bit higher at the moment and it's gonna get worse once I get the air bags in, so a new set of torsion bar keys and I'll have a bit more ground clearance, more suspension travel, and a truck that looks like a 4x4. Well, once I get rid of the 22's. (Yes, I was wrong earlier, they are 22's not 20's, and no I will not post a picture of them.)

arcticmutt
13 Dec 08, 09:52 pm
Uh oh looks like nbm has some competition him with the gold and now you with all the chrome and the 22's :p

naturalbornmudder
13 Dec 08, 10:06 pm
when ya leaving Beale?

AKMark
14 Dec 08, 05:36 am
Hopefully in Feb. Don't know for sure yet.

ajpthng
14 Dec 08, 10:57 pm
I was feeling good the other day and picked up a few diodes and hooked up the headlights so that the Lo beams and fogs stay on when you turn on the highs. Figured a little more light wouldn't hurt, and since it has separate bulbs for hi and low, no problem!

I need to do this myself, except I just want my fog lights to stay on when I turn on my high beams.

AKMark
15 Dec 08, 04:08 am
I need to do this myself, except I just want my fog lights to stay on when I turn on my high beams.

That's what mine do, I love it. So much more light.

SHoppe715
15 Dec 08, 11:45 am
I need to do this myself, except I just want my fog lights to stay on when I turn on my high beams.

Dude, check it...

http://www.getahelmet.com/jeeps/tech/fogrelay/ (http://www.getahelmet.com/jeeps/tech/fogrelay/)

I'll do this if I ever run lights on the bumper again.

AKMark
15 Dec 08, 03:14 pm
My mod cost less than $2.50. I got a four pack of Diodes and hooked them up like this.

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/3/3/3/headlight_mod_avy.jpg

ajpthng
15 Dec 08, 03:16 pm
Cool, I'll do that to the TJ next time its in the garage. I need to do this to the truck more then anything though.

SHoppe715
15 Dec 08, 04:13 pm
My mod cost less than $2.50...

...and the Jeep mod is free:confused:. When is anything Jeep-related ever cheaper?;)

AKMark
15 Dec 08, 04:18 pm
...and the Jeep mod is free:confused:. When is anything Jeep-related ever cheaper?;)

If I would've used wire which is the same thing as what the Jeep mod was, it would've been free. I went with the Diodes to protect the system just a little bit better.

Glad you finally found a free mod for the Jeep that you can use. :D

SHoppe715
16 Dec 08, 11:44 am
...they are 22's not 20's, and no I will not post a picture of them...

:magic: Here, I fixed that picture for you.:yes:

http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/3/9/5/marks_avalanche_copy.jpg

akdsmer
16 Dec 08, 01:39 pm
I would have thought that the easiest and cleanest temp gauge install would be to get the gauge out of a HD rig and install it into your existing cluster or replace your cluster with one that already had the gauge. I believe all fullsize rigs are prewired for this and is just a matter of installing the gauge.:cool:

That's not the cheapest way, but you wouldn't be having to install a sender either. :yes:

Like this... http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/3/0/3/img_0031.jpg

AKMark
16 Dec 08, 03:34 pm
I would have thought that the easiest and cleanest temp gauge install would be to get the gauge out of a HD rig and install it into your existing cluster or replace your cluster with one that already had the gauge. I believe all fullsize rigs are prewired for this and is just a matter of installing the gauge.:cool:

That's not the cheapest way, but you wouldn't be having to install a sender either. :yes:

Like this... http://www.arcticoffroad.com/forum/gallery/files/3/0/3/img_0031.jpg

Yes, that would've been easier, but I already had the gauge, and spending another $250+ just wasn't something I wanted to do right now. I like where I mounted the gauge, and it was easy. If my cluster ever dies, I will try to get one with a gauge.