So I found a deal I couldn't refuse the other day. I found a 92 F-150 4.9 5spd for $500. Its an XLT with power windows, power locks, cruise control etc. Only option it doesn't have that I want is 4wd, but that's no biggie for the time being. Amazingly enough, I believe I can get the paint to buff out. I tested a few spots with encouraging results!







Now, on to my questions:
The speedomenter and tach do not work (tach only reads up to 1000 rpm and holds there until rpms drop back below 1000) and I have no odometer either. Is there another way of seeing how many miles are on this thing? These should have the VSS in the differential right?

The "rear abs" light is on and the brakes seem really touchy (like it wants to lock the back tires up). All of my other Fords have a firm pedal while the pedal in this truck feels soft.

I also was told that the rear gas tank has a new fuel pump in it, but I can't get it to work. I may have some electrical issues because the po said you could wiggle the wires around and get it to work. Whats the best way to troubleshoot the fuel pumps? Drop the tank(s)? Or remove the bed?

Sorry for the long winded post, I appreciate any tips you guys have!

 

Make sur that fuses #8 & #18 are not bad.

You need to replace the tachometer with one from a salvage yard and the PSOM also if fuses 8 #18 are good.

Yes you can take the PSOM out and read the EEPROM with a reader/burner.

Yes but it will not make the odometer go blank.

Could be bad wiring under the truck, bad RABS module or the PSOM could be shorting out the signal from the VSS. The VSS could be bad but not very likely.

Unplug the rear tank plug and check for pump power with a loading test light at the plug for the tank with pin #6 grounded of the self-test plug and with the key on and the rear tank selected on the dash. The power wire is the Brown wire with a white stripe & the ground is the Orange wire.
Most of the time this happens because the plug on top of the tank is not making good contact with the hanger plug. The harness plug clip may also be broken off.

 

Thank you subford! I've been working on this thing as time allows, and so far we've replaced the starter solenoid, #8 fuse, and added some brake fluid to the master cylinder. That cured my problems with the Rear ABS light and my non working speedometer/odometer. I also picked up an instrument cluster at the junkyard and plan to swap the tach over to my cluster this afternoon. Once I get that done it'll be on to the fuel pumps.