Swapping out none tachometer cluster for one with

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Nov 24, 2021 | 01:02 PM

Dr.Balbarian

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From: Ohio

Swapping out none tachometer cluster for one with

I just bought a 1989 F350 with a 460 and a 5 speed. For some reason this XLT Lariat truck doesn’t have a tach. While I can shift by engine noise, i’d much prefer seeing my RPMs when hauling.

I thought about a small tach and mounting it under the dash, but got thinking, how hard would it be to just swap in a gauge cluster from a 460 Bricknose with a tach?

I figure it should be straight forward but couldn’t find any info on it from google searches and stuff, usually was just people asking about changing a single gauge in their dash, not the whole cluster. Or non Bricknose trucks.

What should I be aware of? Also is it possible to put my speedo back in to keep my mileage?

thanks in advance!

Nov 24, 2021 | 04:59 PM

Conanski

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

This is a common upgrade and it's dumb easy,,, you just have to get the correct cluster, remove the old one and plug in the new one. In your case the correct cluster will be from an 89-91 V8 truck. No doesn't matter what V8 engine.

Nov 25, 2021 | 07:21 AM

torq'ta 5 8

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From: N.W. Alabama

see links below, courtesy of Steve83, hard to change non tach speedo, into speedo with tach, they are physically different sizes
how to clean connections-->1983 Ford Bronco '87-96 Instruments, Low Fuel Light, Oil Pressure picture | SuperMotors.net
says hard to swap-->1983 Ford Bronco '87-96 Instruments, Low Fuel Light, Oil Pressure picture | SuperMotors.net

Nov 25, 2021 | 05:54 PM

Dr.Balbarian

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by torq'ta 5 8

Would you happen to know if I can get into the odometer portion and just swap mine in? Or anywhere that says so? I tried looking and couldn’t get info. Found a cluster that I want to get, decent price and in good shape, but the miles have rolled and says 45k, and so the numbers are all out of wack. Mine are still in sync at 85k.

Nov 25, 2021 | 05:57 PM

Dr.Balbarian

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conanski

I didn’t think about the fact this truck would have plugs for the cluster, so makes sense it’s easy to swap. My other truck is an 84 F150 with no tach but it’s auto, so never looked into putting one in. I don’t like those cheap tacky Autozone tachs everyone uses lol

Nov 25, 2021 | 07:38 PM

torq'ta 5 8

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From: N.W. Alabama

These guys say speedo is same, its the other small gauges that differ in size, I would take the chance and buy one 87-91, post #5
here-->gauge cluster - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Nov 26, 2021 | 09:23 AM

Hit Man X

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From: North Texas

Best to swap the entire tach setup on the Bricknose. Non tach also did not have a tripometer. This also makes the lens different.

Changing miles to match could be done by you or any speedo shop.