Favorite Aftermarket 3 Gauge Kit for an FJ40 - Oil Pressure Voltage and Temperature

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GRM

GRM

Finding new adventures in old jalopies.
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I’ve come to the conclusion that I cannot trust the old gauges in my 40 and need an aftermarket solution to keep tabs on my 2fe.

The gauges I think I am most interested in are:
  • Oil Pressure
  • Water Temperature
  • Voltage
I’m looking for help: I’d like to know what your favorite 3 gauge kit is for a 40 and how you hooked it up? Currently I’m thinking to bolt the 3 gauges directly below my steering column, but I am a bit lost what mounting plate will fit the best, and what kit has the right adapters to fit my 2fe.

I appreciate everyones help.
 
Last edited:
Why can’t you trust them? ....

check this out before getting craycray:
forum.ih8mud.com

Clusters, Gauges, Speedo & Odo meters

There seems to be a lot of questions about Clusters, Gauges, Speedo and Odo meters, so I thought why not set up a page as a reference guide / database / knowledge center? Over time I collected a lot of pictures. I created a Gallery with all the photos I have, which you can see here...
forum.ih8mud.com forum.ih8mud.com
 
FWIW, My '76 FJ40 was showing low oil pressure over the last few years. The original sending unit was getting weak. The part is still used on newer Toyota vehicles. I replaced mine with a new Toyota sender and bingo, pressure back up from being just above the L. Pic is with the new sending unit and at idle after being warmed up. I would personally fix your factory gauges, not add more to the mix. Clean contacts, replace wires or whatever to get them in spec.

oil pressure gage new sender idle with ac on.webp
 
Kschep said:
Why can’t you trust them? ....

check this out before getting craycray:
forum.ih8mud.com

Clusters, Gauges, Speedo & Odo meters

There seems to be a lot of questions about Clusters, Gauges, Speedo and Odo meters, so I thought why not set up a page as a reference guide / database / knowledge center? Over time I collected a lot of pictures. I created a Gallery with all the photos I have, which you can see here...
forum.ih8mud.com forum.ih8mud.com
Click to expand...
I do intend to fix the cluster at some point in the future, but right now I have higher priority issues to take care of of my cruiser. I need a temporary solution for gauges that can last a year or three.

I can’t trust them because of a few reasons:
  • The harness from the fuse box to the gauges is melted (in case you didn’t know: bolts should not replace a fuse when the fuse blows 🤦🏼‍♂️)
  • The sending units are mis-matched and its unknown if they work or not. Some are for an F engine, some for a 2f, some for a 3fe)
  • It is unknown if the engine harness from the donor fj62 has the wiring from the gauges to the sending units
For these reasons, I want to toss a couple aftermarket gauges at the 40, and deal with the remaining problems in the short term rather than chase gauge issues.
 
Last edited:
Hey @GRM did you ever find a nice set of gauges for this?
 
I run an oil pressure gauge, temp gauge, and rpm up on my dash in a summit racing 3 hole bracket. My dash was a cheap cap over the cracked OEM, so no major loss on mounting it up there. Plus it's easy to glance over at the gauges whole driving. Without a doubt I have noticed problems before they became major issues due to little fluctuations I've spotted.
20200226_164816.webp
 
IDK why that turned into a Summit link...

The Terminators are taking over.
images (1).webp
 
I made a bracket for my lighted direct read oil pressure gauge from a dead aluminum street sigh. I stainless steel clamp the bracket the steering column 12 o'clock high. The gauge was like from NAPA or JC Whitney Pre internet and Amoron. I put fuel hose over the plastic tubing from the back of the gauge to the engine side of the fire wall - that way if the tube broke I wouldn't get a face full of hot oil. I carry a pipe plug for the engine hole in the ash tray. Been there since about 1983.

I always smell coolant before the gauge shows hot. The OEM amp and temp still work fine. The fuel gauge has always been weird - reads over full for a long time, then like drops to half very quickly, and is more or less accurate from half to E and you will be walking at that point.
 
GRM said:
@rkymtnflyfisher what sending units did you use? Curious how you attached the temp and oil pressure gauges
Click to expand...
Autometer oil and temp, both mechanical.
VDO tach.
 
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