FAQ - Factory tachometer installation

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Jul 9, 2010 | 05:23 PM

#136

Fordzilla80

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Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 4,990

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81-F-150-Explorer

Be aware that the courtesy lamp group wiring under the dash is different for the following years, and needs to be within the compatible year range or changing plugs and rewiring will be needed.

I keep forgetting that his donor is an 85.lol.Mine was an 82,so everything swapped on over.I keep thinking bout the simplicity for me,and not what's compatible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81-F-150-Explorer

If you use the old harness as a wire runner, you can install the new one pretty easily. Use the cargo/dome lamp harness out of a 1980-1991, but use the Cargo lamp housing out of a 1992, as the 1992 has a better gasket.

This can work,but It didn't for me,because the main plug from the bottom kept getting caught between the roof panels and every time I broke it free,it would catch again,so eventually I unraveled a coat hanger and used that.

My cargo light housing is from a 92,as well as the gasket.I have a couple gaskets from 80-91,and there is definitely a big difference.

One thing that wasn't mentioned that i'm surprised 81 Explorer didn't put,is that if you cut the hole in the cab for the cargo light,make sure you spray some paint inside the hole between the roof layers.This area wasn't painted from factory for obvious reasons,so it is just bare metal.