Cluster wiring- add a tach?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 8
From: Indian Falls, New York
I believe you can add a tach but it was part of the sports instrumentation that was optioned that came with the rest of them. As far as if the harness had the connectors for it I would think so but I am not 100%. It certainly would have made Fords job easier if they did.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,477
Likes: 19
From: Sheffield, AL
My son's 1984 F150 with 4.9L engine originally had all instruments [not idiot lights], but had no tachometer. I took an instrument cluster from a 1985 F250 with gas V8 and swapped clusters. The tachometer worked perfectly. The printed circuits on the back of the speedometer clusters are different, but when swapped intact, work as if original.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
I agree - it should work if you currently have gauges, not idiot lights. The only issue might be the build date of your truck. There was a wiring change in either in late '80 or early '81. So look at the color of the printed-circuit board on your truck compared to the cluster with the tach. If both are the same color you should be good to go.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
here's my cent and 1/2.
my canadian 84 f150 (which has the wiring of a 83/different) I6 had no tach, along with "Batt. light" charging issues.
i went to j.y. and grabbed a instrument cluster w/factory tach AND the plug that goes to the cluster AND the plug + entire WIRE in the engine compartment to the cluster for the tach (2 wires, ran them to cluster), Figured out the pin placement for the new plug..........AND WHALAAH
Well, not quite yet. Im still installing because i GUTTED IT because squirrells and mice nests dont make for good road trip tag alongs.
My concern is what should i do to have my oil/batt. gauges work when the harness was rigged for lights. I think Im fine with the oil.
my canadian 84 f150 (which has the wiring of a 83/different) I6 had no tach, along with "Batt. light" charging issues.
i went to j.y. and grabbed a instrument cluster w/factory tach AND the plug that goes to the cluster AND the plug + entire WIRE in the engine compartment to the cluster for the tach (2 wires, ran them to cluster), Figured out the pin placement for the new plug..........AND WHALAAH
Well, not quite yet. Im still installing because i GUTTED IT because squirrells and mice nests dont make for good road trip tag alongs.
My concern is what should i do to have my oil/batt. gauges work when the harness was rigged for lights. I think Im fine with the oil.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
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jmilaman
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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