Will a 73 instrument cluster work in a 74?

Ken

 

Yes !

As along as they both have the same content.

gauges to gauges

or

Idiot Lights to idiot Lights

 

MK,
More importantly, there seems to be two types of electrical plugs for the Instrument Panel (IP). There is a wide one and a narrow one. Simply check your plug and make sure the replacement IP matches.
If the gages and idiot lights are not the same , either, change the sending units or swap out the gages/idiot lights. The latter is not always possible.
KingFisher

 

there are actually three (so far) that I have run across in the plugs. I have three different extra clusters and they all take different plugs,,,73,,77,,78.

 

Grape,
That's news to me? I've been screwing with these lousy IPs for 20 years and I've only seen two?
Please clarify,
KingFisher

 

I could get the measurements out I guess, but those three all have different holes. Was quite the nightmare before I decided to just wire the whole damn thing directly myself and get rid of the harness altogether.

 

There are 2 different plugs

14 pin & 18 pin

Count yours

 

Million, I'm not speaking of pins, but the actual size of the plug itself,, alright,, fine,, I'll measure them tomorrow, sheesh

 

The flex circuits were different for different years with different indicator bulbs in different places.

 

Cluster One out of a 1976 F-150 4X4: D6UF-10848 A A S P-1
The plug is 2 1/8 long with a 1 inch tab at the top and a 7/8 tab at the bottom. It's 14 pin, no doubles.

Cluster Two out of a 1973 F-100 4X2: D3TF-10848AA
Plug - 2 1/2 long, 5/8 top, 3/4 bottom, 18 pin with 5 doubles.

Cluster Three out of a 1975 F-350 4X2: D5TF-10848AD
Plug - 2 3/4 long, 3/4 top, 1 bottom, 18 pin with 1 double.

So this is what I have run across, oddly enough, the only one that matches the one that used to be in my 77 F-350 is the one from F-100. Not sure what the U stands for in the 76. But I am sure someone will say it, lol. And there you have it

 

Dennis,
I think the Grapegravy is crazy like the GrapeApe.
If this is true, I am shocked and awed! I'm not sure what to do? I'm dazed and confused. I think I'm going over to the other side? Watch out Chevy! Her I come!!!!!!!
KingFisher

 

Wouldn't be the first time it's been said,, Welcome to my padded cell dfisher. Bwahahaha

 

I was paging through some old posts and it appears you are knowledgeable about replacement instrument clusters for the 73-79 F series. I seem to remember someone saying an instrument cluster from an 80's van will interchange with my '77....Did I really see such a post, or am I hallucinating. MY '77 F150 cluster is crumbling like a stale soda cracker......

 

No, you aren't hallucinating.

The 80's will fit as well.

Makes it great when you live in Canada and swap for the 8 digit metric odometer.

I have 7 cluster backs in my garage and there are Only 2 style connections.

14 pin (short) Idiot lights

18 pin (long) gauges


The U as far as I know is *Special Vehicle Operations* design

That doesn't sound right to me though.

 

Thanks, I will beat cheeks out to a local wrecking yard and see what I can dig up...Is there a preferred model van I should focus on??