Due to some intriguing electrical issues, I want to install an ammeter in the truck. I remember our old 1985 F-150 came standard with an ammeter vice a voltmeter. I was wondering about the feasability of finding an old junkyard F-150 with an ammeter set-up and canibalizing it, instead of running a new gauge from sunpro or something. Any advice?

 

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You would have to get the calibrated shunt from the wiring loom of the other truck and run the shunts two wires back to your Ammeter. This is after you installed the shunt with one end on the Starter Relay and the other end to the heavy (RED?) wire that you took off that was coming from the B+ terminal of the Alternator. While making sure that the A terminal wire from the Alternator was still on the Starter Relay.

This post needs to be moved to Electrical Systems, so Franklan2 can take a shot at it.

 

Thanks, I'll move it over there. But perhaps you could also clarify. Is the entire gauge set-up from the canibalized truck enough, or do I need a new gauge to connect to the wiring appartus from the old ammeter? I guess it would all depend on what is easier to install in the dash. I dont need anything fancy, but if its just a standard 2" gauge, I could just buy a mounting kit. I still want the voltmeter in its place, but the ammeter could go anywhere readable in the cab.