Removing 87-91 guage cluster...
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 7
From: Des Moines, Iowa
Removing 87-91 guage cluster...
Hey guys,
Seems like I should have done this by now with 3 87-91 trucks but... I've never removed my guage cluster before... Do you have to take out all the torx screws on the top dash pad to get the guage cluster out? I don't have a tool that will remove some of the ackwardly angled torx screws by the defrost... So i need to get a new tool on the way home if the top dash pad needs to come off...
Seems like I should have done this by now with 3 87-91 trucks but... I've never removed my guage cluster before... Do you have to take out all the torx screws on the top dash pad to get the guage cluster out? I don't have a tool that will remove some of the ackwardly angled torx screws by the defrost... So i need to get a new tool on the way home if the top dash pad needs to come off...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
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No you don`t take the dash pad off. From what I remember you pry off the trim surround, remove two or three screws from under the dash, remove the headlight switch **** and them pull the cluster "glass" out. A few more screws and the cluster is ready to come out. However you have to disconnect the shift indicator and the speedo cable before you can lift it out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
Yes, the problem is that the cluster only comes forward a few inches, not enough to get your hand in to disconnect the speedo. You should be able to undo any clips holding the cable or get enough length by gentle pulling on it. If all else fails then disconnect it at the trans to get the cluster out far enough.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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You'll need someone with small hands to disconnect the cable from the back of the speedo.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,703
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
great thanks guys... I need to put the jumper wire in for the real Oil pressure MOD i did here a week or two ago... I wish I had a pick of where to put the jumper wire on for the 87-91 cluster... 
I guess i'll have to figure it out and then take a pic for everyone else...
I guess i'll have to figure it out and then take a pic for everyone else...
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
Its easy to find that resistor. Just look for the oil guage and follow the single trace to the resistor. I just solder a wire right over it.
This is from my Bronco2 with tach. The clusters are pretty much the same between F-series and Ranger/Bronco2
You can see the resistor inline with the Oil guage SIG line.
This is from my Bronco2 with tach. The clusters are pretty much the same between F-series and Ranger/Bronco2
You can see the resistor inline with the Oil guage SIG line.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Concord, NC
To remove the gauge cluster, you have to remove the right lower trim piece first - it pops out. There is one screw holding the left lower trim piece in place that you'll see when you get the right lower out of the way. Remove the screw and the headlight and windshield wiper ***** (pull the tab on each one towards the rear of the truck) and pull out the left side lower piece. Then there are two torx screws in the top trim piece just above the gauges, and maybe a couple more screws on the bottom side of the top trim piece near the steering column - I can't remember for sure (it's been a while). Once the trim is out of the way, the cluster is pretty straightforward. I think it's held in by 4 screws. Pull it out enough to release the wiring and speedometer cable and that's it.
This is just by memory so if I've said something wrong, please correct my mistake(s)...
This is just by memory so if I've said something wrong, please correct my mistake(s)...
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
It easy, Just replace the oiginal oil sending unit(just a 4 psi switch) with a sending unit for a 87 302 F150 or older. Remove the cluster and jumper over the 20ohm resistor. Now the oil guage will operate more like a guage than a "idiot light".
I have done this mod for all my trucks execpt the Bronco2, that one will be next after I get it back running.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Kamloops BC
Depending what motor you have, you may also need an extender and a 45 degree fitting to mount the new sending unit as it is much larger than the switch. On my 302, it would have hit the oil filter and not threaded in.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
I will be making a complete thread with pics on how to do the mod on a 87-91 f-series... I will be doing it on a F250 300 I6... but the parts and concept will transfer to all the 87-91 trucks. There is only one resistor on the back of my guage cluster but haven't traced it yet. I will try and find the right place to jump and get the thread up on monday... Although I don't have any wiring diagrams. I was hoping someone else would have the pic of where to jump the resisitor so i was 100% sure of where to put the jump wire in.
Gotta go drink! Later guys!
Gotta go drink! Later guys!
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,703
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
Ok guys,
I've got a ton of pics on how to do the mod, exactly how to take the dash appart, where to detach the cable, etc,etc etc... I will make a idiot proof thread on how to do this mod. But, I just want to make 100% sure before I write it up that i am jumping the cluster in the right spot... I only see 1 resistor (circled in red below). This is a cluster from my 88 F250 with tack, and no gear indicator (5spd). I want to assume that i just jump the only resistor i am seeing but haven't been able to confirm with a wire trace or wiring diagram yet.
Anyone want to help me out and confirm the spot to jump it??????? If I have the wrong spot please draw the right spot in (I did mine in MS Paint) and repost the pic for me! Happy New Years!
PS I'm sure someone will notice the PO of my truck was nice enough to remove the EMISS light from my cluster (bottom left of pic). LOL!
I've got a ton of pics on how to do the mod, exactly how to take the dash appart, where to detach the cable, etc,etc etc... I will make a idiot proof thread on how to do this mod. But, I just want to make 100% sure before I write it up that i am jumping the cluster in the right spot... I only see 1 resistor (circled in red below). This is a cluster from my 88 F250 with tack, and no gear indicator (5spd). I want to assume that i just jump the only resistor i am seeing but haven't been able to confirm with a wire trace or wiring diagram yet.
Anyone want to help me out and confirm the spot to jump it??????? If I have the wrong spot please draw the right spot in (I did mine in MS Paint) and repost the pic for me! Happy New Years!
PS I'm sure someone will notice the PO of my truck was nice enough to remove the EMISS light from my cluster (bottom left of pic). LOL!