Gauge cluster question
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 167
Likes: 5
From: Virginia
Gauge cluster question
I may be birds. I feel like I read somewhere that the gauges out of a 78 or 79 don't work in the 73-77. They fry? Am I wrong? And lastly going from a dummy light set to a gauge set, Is it simple as replacing the sending units? (Assuming the cluster itself is good)
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
You can modify the main harness but it's a lot of work for negligible return. The alternator harness can't be modified, it must be replaced.
You must also switch the oil pressure sending unit.
?? What part of Virginia?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 163
From: East Texas
As far as I know the fuel and temp gauges are the same.
From what I have read on here, is that the wiring is different so just swapping clusters won't work. There are a few write up on what it takes. It is a lot more involved than what I would want to do.
From what I have read on here, is that the wiring is different so just swapping clusters won't work. There are a few write up on what it takes. It is a lot more involved than what I would want to do.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
Instrument cluster backs are different 1975/79, printed circuits are also different. Plus there's TWO different types: With or without oil/amp gauges.
There are several different types of oil, fuel, temperature and amp gauges. 1973/79 is not all the same.
There are several different types of oil, fuel, temperature and amp gauges. 1973/79 is not all the same.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
so, get a new printed circuit from LMC or wherever for your year and not have to worry you will fry it. ?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 167
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From: Virginia
Yeah but like above, the wiring harnesses under the hood are different as well. I got a truck that's not screwed with..I'd like ti leave it as such.... for now
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
To the OP, if you really want gauges I would get a quality set of add on gauges and mount them under the dash. The OEM gauges are notorious for being less than accurate, especially the ammeter. Quite often that little gem didn't work, even when the trucks were brand new. Ford even had to issue a TSB on the subject.
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