Hello,

I have a 1995 F350 5.8L XL. It doesn't have cruise control, and I am investigating the feasibility of adding it. I'd prefer to add original Ford stuff instead of an aftermarket kit unless someone knows of something compelling.

I assume the wiring is all there, but I'm not completely sure of all the parts I'd need to round up. I am under the impression the buttons go on the steering wheel pad, and mine doesn't have those, so I need to find that part. I also assume there's some sort of actuator, but aside from that, I'm not sure what else is needed.

I'd appreciate any advice and information if anyone has it.

 

Yes, it is largely a "plug-n-play" affair. You will need the servo unit from a donor vehicle [93-96 (97 E-or F-250/350)] and the horn pad with the cruise switches from a 92-97, same models. 1992 trucks still used the old style vacuum servo so they are a no-go for your truck but can be donors of the horn pad. 1993 F150s & Broncos are also suitable horn pad donors since these are pre-airbag trucks.

The underhood wiring for the servo is there with a dummy plug that must first be removed. Route the actuator cable over to the throttle body actuator and you should be in business!

While you are at it you might consider fully upgrading to a tilt column for even more driving comfort. Sourced from the right yard you are probably not even looking at an appreciable cost difference.

dn.

 

If you can't find a horn pad let me know. I got one sitting around that I'll sell to you For cheap.

 

I added cruise control to my 1995 F150 - so, not quite the same, but it would be close. The wiring was all there, I added the steering wheel switches and the electronic cruise servo plugged into an existing connector. The factory cruise trucks had an extra switch in the end of the master cylinder. I have no idea why, all it seemed to do was catch on fire when the switch leaked brake fluid. In any case, I bypassed this altogether by putting a small "u" of fence wire into the two pin connector for this master cyl. switch. The cruise did not work without this circuit closed. The cruise control gets a brake signal from the brake pedal (wiring integrated on these trucks) so the brake cutoff works with no other modifications at all. The clutch switch wiring is also integrated of you have a manual transmission.

 

All done!

I ordered the actuator from JustParts.com and it actually came from a '97 F250 and it mounted up and connected to the electrical and throttle easily with no mods at all. I got the buttons from a member of this forum (Thanks Evan) a it just snapped in. I did have to jumper the connector that is mentioned in earlier posts, but I installed all the parts in about 30 minutes and took it out and it operates flawlessly. A picture of the components is below. Thanks for everyone's help...This is a very useful forum...

 

Awesome. Glad it worked out for you. Did it arrive ok?

 

Congrats on the upgrade and good job! It is great to see just how many upgrades and customizations can be done to these trucks. So much is plug & play but often with a little research and ingenuity you can even add features and options to your truck that were never even factory options. Keep modding and posting the how-to's!

dn.

 

Subscribed. Guess I am going to the junk yard today.

Anyone know if it matters what engine the actuator comes from?