mechanical speedo to electrical conversion?
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2011
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mechanical speedo to electrical conversion?
I have been researching quite a bit and not found anything about the conversion I need to make. I have a 1990 F250 (5 speed) with mechanical speedometer, but I had dropped a 92' ZF5 into it which has the VSS for the electrical speedo model. Is there anyway I can connect the two dots without buying a separate electrical speedometer guage?
( I am aware you can go from a mechanical style tranny to an electrical speedo but my problem is the other way around)
( I am aware you can go from a mechanical style tranny to an electrical speedo but my problem is the other way around)
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,557
Likes: 44
From: Concord, NC
Does the tail housing of the transmission have a place to bolt the speedometer cable? If it does, you should be able to pull the yoke and the output seal and install a speedometer drive gear in place of the spacer used in the later model transmissions. Then you can install the VSS/Speedo cable in place of the plug.
http://www.zf.com/media/media/docume...SpareParts.pdf
http://www.zf.com/media/media/docume...SpareParts.pdf
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
There is not much if anything that's easy for doing this conversion. My 89F250 currently has the AOD tranny with cable speedo, when(if) I swap the E4OD tranny in I will not be able to use the old speedometer as the E4OD tail shaft doesn't have the speedo gear on it(machined in place gear)
One thing I have found but not cheap is called: Cable-X speedometer converter. It will convert a electronic VSS signal back to mechanical drive output for older speedometers to function. I read up on it, and some love it and others hate it. I don't have $$$ to try it.
The only other thing is modding the dash for the 92 to 96 instrument cluster to mount in and rewire the cluster connectors to the new cluster. This is probly the way I am going to go if and when I swap the AOD to the E4OD.
One thing I have found but not cheap is called: Cable-X speedometer converter. It will convert a electronic VSS signal back to mechanical drive output for older speedometers to function. I read up on it, and some love it and others hate it. I don't have $$$ to try it.
The only other thing is modding the dash for the 92 to 96 instrument cluster to mount in and rewire the cluster connectors to the new cluster. This is probly the way I am going to go if and when I swap the AOD to the E4OD.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,786
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From: Kentucky
There is not much if anything that's easy for doing this conversion. My 89F250 currently has the AOD tranny with cable speedo, when(if) I swap the E4OD tranny in I will not be able to use the old speedometer as the E4OD tail shaft doesn't have the speedo gear on it(machined in place gear)
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
I got a 92 parts truck with a rebuilt E4OD(less than 500 miles on it and 97 spec rebuild too) and engine(allready installed in the 89).
Pulling apart the E4OD to swap the tailshaft, is not going to occur on such fresh rebuild that still has warranty on it. So either the 92's cluster will be mounted in the 89 dash, or I'm going to figure a cheaper way to drive the mechanical speedo via VSS(stepper motor driver like Cable X)
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
I have been researching quite a bit and not found anything about the conversion I need to make. I have a 1990 F250 (5 speed) with mechanical speedometer, but I had dropped a 92' ZF5 into it which has the VSS for the electrical speedo model. Is there anyway I can connect the two dots without buying a separate electrical speedometer guage?
( I am aware you can go from a mechanical style tranny to an electrical speedo but my problem is the other way around)
( I am aware you can go from a mechanical style tranny to an electrical speedo but my problem is the other way around)
You don't say if your truck is 4wd or not. I am assuming it is 2wd.
You will need a rear trans housing from a 91 and older ZF5 along with the output shaft it run your mechanical speedometer
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2011
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figured out a "solution." I bought a HUD gps speedometer for $100. It works good enough and puts the speed on my windshield.
I am from Idaho the assumption should be 4wd. There are very few 2wd in this state.
I am from Idaho the assumption should be 4wd. There are very few 2wd in this state.
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More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2014
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The Hud speedo you are using does it have the odometer? I am in a similar situation and will more than likely get an HUd speedo but I want one that will carry on the odometer. One that goes more than just 3 digits.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
I forgot about this thread. Got the answer right here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-issues-2.html
Now I have to get a correct drive shaft to install the E4OD, junk yards around here damage them with the front loaders........
Now I have to get a correct drive shaft to install the E4OD, junk yards around here damage them with the front loaders........
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 618
Likes: 7
I forgot about this thread. Got the answer right here: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-issues-2.html
Now I have to get a correct drive shaft to install the E4OD, junk yards around here damage them with the front loaders........
Now I have to get a correct drive shaft to install the E4OD, junk yards around here damage them with the front loaders........
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Maine (NorCal Native)
-Enjoy
fh : )_~
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 618
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I read over it and was confused because they were referring to the computer? I was under the impression I will not have a computer with a zf? Could you please clarify. thanks so much for your help
