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I have a 1988 F-350 4x4 with a Zf5 460 gas and cruise control. I am going to build a custom dash for it and install a new speedo. I was wondering how the stock speedometer works on those--I have not pulled it apart yet.
The new speedo is electronic only, NOT mechanical.
Frist, is mine cable-driven mechanical, or, does it operate from the VSS in the rear end?
Second, if it is cable-driven can I use the VSS as a speed sensor to operate the electronic speedo?
If mine is mechanical, what is the best option to convert it to electronic?
Your odo/speedometer is cable driven. What does the aftermarket speedometer require for an input signal? i.e. pulses per mile, etc.
This is what I received from their support person: "The gauges are all universal so they can be installed on almost any vehicle with a 12v power source. The gauge requires an input of a signal from an electronic speed sensor such as the factory sensor or our GPS adapter. You can also use a Hall-effect sensor which would convert vehicles with a cable driven speedo to an electronic signal."
That's where I was headed, i.e. if your vehicle has speed control you may be able to use the VSS signal output for that function. That VSS is usually inline with the speedometer drive cable.