Definitive instrument cluster swap thread
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
Definitive instrument cluster swap thread
Is there one? I searched this forum and found only 8 threads in the past 5 years that have some relevance to swapping instrument clusters, and they all were basically the same question being answered (which was not relevant to me). Can those who know please contribute that knowledge as to which instrument clusters can be swapped across which years/models and what mods are required to make them work?
In my case, I want to put a tachomoter-equipped cluster in my 1995 F-350 5spd. Seems that the only tachs I can find are from diesels. Will they work properly (including all the other gauges/lights) in my truck?
In my case, I want to put a tachomoter-equipped cluster in my 1995 F-350 5spd. Seems that the only tachs I can find are from diesels. Will they work properly (including all the other gauges/lights) in my truck?
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 2
Well, the diesel tachometer only goes to around 4k, while the gas goes to 6K. I have a 96-97 diesel and gas instrument clusters with tachometers. i compared them once and did not see anything different other than the facing on the tach.
I wonder if the gas tachometers are the same across the years, like the speedometers are. So, if all you could find was a 95 diesel cluster with a tachometer, could you just swap in a gas tachometer from a 1997?
I wonder if the gas tachometers are the same across the years, like the speedometers are. So, if all you could find was a 95 diesel cluster with a tachometer, could you just swap in a gas tachometer from a 1997?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 4
From: Washington
I'll wager that the signal to the tach is different for gas versus diesel. Diesel gauges also have a glow plug indicator, plus any other diesel only function.
As for the OP any 1994-1995 gas cluster will swap in without changes. Any other year will require pin out changes to the connectors.
As for the OP any 1994-1995 gas cluster will swap in without changes. Any other year will require pin out changes to the connectors.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
The search here on FTE is funky at times. I pulled up over 500 hits with "cluster swap" search for this forum only(87 to 96 trucks). I still have fun searching here...and NOT finding what I know is on the forums...
Anyway:
92 to 93 years are plug and play clusters
94 to 95 years are plug and play clusters
95 to 96/7(HD trucks) are plug and play clusters.
All the speedometers are swap able between 92 to 96/7 years, so you can keep your mileage and ratios the same. Just have to take apart the cluster to swap it.
As for using non same year range clusters, you will have to repin the wire harness to make them work properly.
Most common issue will be the alternator charging circuit will not work. The alternator is energized via the instrument cluster's charge lamp indicator. It's the battery indicator in the cluster, has a 560ohm resistor across the bulb. Other issues would be the air bag lamp and theft lamp, possible the 4x4 lamps would need repining.
As for diesel cluster in to gas truck, I have not checked into it yet. I did get a diesel cluster from a junkyard run last month, so when I get time I'll check it out.
Anyway:
92 to 93 years are plug and play clusters
94 to 95 years are plug and play clusters
95 to 96/7(HD trucks) are plug and play clusters.
All the speedometers are swap able between 92 to 96/7 years, so you can keep your mileage and ratios the same. Just have to take apart the cluster to swap it.
As for using non same year range clusters, you will have to repin the wire harness to make them work properly.
Most common issue will be the alternator charging circuit will not work. The alternator is energized via the instrument cluster's charge lamp indicator. It's the battery indicator in the cluster, has a 560ohm resistor across the bulb. Other issues would be the air bag lamp and theft lamp, possible the 4x4 lamps would need repining.
As for diesel cluster in to gas truck, I have not checked into it yet. I did get a diesel cluster from a junkyard run last month, so when I get time I'll check it out.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 305
Likes: 2
Found this on another site:
1 - All the clusters interchange but there are wiring differences that require pin changes to the harness plug if you vary from 92 to 93, 94 to 95, 96 to 97.
2 - All the PSOM's fit all the trucks but the earlier ones could be overly sensitive to tone ring variations and VSS signal fluctuations.
3 - A PSOM from a gas truck will work in a diesel and vice versa.
4 - Gas and diesel clusters interchange but the fuel gauge and tach are specific to the fuel type.
5 - The year of the cluster can be determined by checking the first 2 letters of the part # on the back (F2 - 92, F3 - 93, etc.)
6 - The odometer mileage is stored on the card attached to the PSOM.
7 - A V8 tach cluster will work with a 6 cylinder.
1 - All the clusters interchange but there are wiring differences that require pin changes to the harness plug if you vary from 92 to 93, 94 to 95, 96 to 97.
2 - All the PSOM's fit all the trucks but the earlier ones could be overly sensitive to tone ring variations and VSS signal fluctuations.
3 - A PSOM from a gas truck will work in a diesel and vice versa.
4 - Gas and diesel clusters interchange but the fuel gauge and tach are specific to the fuel type.
5 - The year of the cluster can be determined by checking the first 2 letters of the part # on the back (F2 - 92, F3 - 93, etc.)
6 - The odometer mileage is stored on the card attached to the PSOM.
7 - A V8 tach cluster will work with a 6 cylinder.
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 24
From: Michiana
Just to add to your list. The 87-91 interchange. (for future searches) They are the older style with the mechanical odometer. I have only found the tachs on the XLT lariat models.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,935
Likes: 34
From: Arcadia, Fla
87 to 91 diesel clusters will also plug and play into a gasser truck. I done that to get the 4K rpm redline tach for my I6 engine in my 89 F250. As the diesel tach has a diffrent PCB than gas ,I had to swap out and "reprogram" the gasser tach's pcb and realign it to show proper RPM.
It required one resistor change and some adjusting of the pots on the tach PCB to get it good.
Another thing I had to do was either add or remove(can't remember) the 6/8 cyl connection to the tach to match the I6 engine I had.
As for the 87 to 91 speedometers, they will not swap between tach and non tach clusters. Non tach cluster speedo is wider than the tach cluster speedometer. Just will not fit.
Further note: on the 92 to 96 E-series(vans) the F-series cluster will fit the dash, BUT you MUST repin the E-series wiring to match which ever year F-series tach cluster you have. I did that on my 95 E350 8 years ago:https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...tory-tach.html
One other thing I found was the fuel filter lamp comes on for a few seconds then goes off, I haven't traced out that as it to me not a issue.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,667
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
The mileage is stored in the PSOM's EEPROM chip.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
genevanvoorst
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Aug 26, 2014 05:56 AM
Bluethunder3320
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Apr 6, 2014 08:12 AM
snakecharmed
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Nov 4, 2000 01:02 AM