Help with dash with tach replacement

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Dec 18, 2008 | 09:57 AM

wolfy

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Help with dash with tach replacement

I have a 1991 F150 Custom, it has 84k miles on it and it has the 300 I6 with M5 standard transmission. I wish i had a tachometer. My current dash setup doesn't have a tach.

What all is involved with switching the complete dash out? What all connections must be added / modified in order to make this switch?

Sorry this website wont let me upload an image it says it wants a URL well my image isn't on a website, or else I would post one of what I am talking about.

Dec 18, 2008 | 10:05 AM

97HD

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The easiest way is to find a matching dash in a junkyard with a tach in it, and swap out the dash.

Dec 18, 2008 | 10:20 AM

Conanski

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

Yes you need a gauge cluster with a tach from a similar truck, others may physically fit but are not compatable electrically. You need to make sure you get a cluster with the same type odometer and speedo drive, I believe those with a mechanical odometer will have a cable driven speedo while those with a digital odometer also have an electric speedo. Clusters from the same year as yours are guaanteed to work but you should also be able to use one from a '90 or '92 depending what type you have. The good news is there are no wiring changes to make when installing the tach cluster, just plug in the factory harness and the tach will function normally. I believe you do need a tach for a 6 cylinder motor however, I don't think a V8 tach will read properly, others can confirm this.

Dec 18, 2008 | 10:41 AM

Old93junk

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From: McKenzie River

on rangers, the tachs had a tiny switch for 4/6 cyl. maybe 6/8 switch on full size?

Dec 18, 2008 | 10:45 AM

wolfy

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thanks for the fast reply guys. if i could figure out how to post pics then i would. I have access to a gage cluster from the same yr truck as mine with the tach already in it. I wanted to make sure that it would just plug in and function properly before i bought it. Is there just one big wiring harness to unplug and reconnect to the other dash?

Just concerned because all the other individual gauges are in different places.

Dec 18, 2008 | 10:53 AM

97HD

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Mine had 4 plugs on the back of it, but they were plainly obvious where they went. Should just be a simple plug and swap, and you'll be up and going.

Dec 18, 2008 | 09:53 PM

Fox_Racing

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hey i have a 91 300 with 5spd and just swaped for a tach like your talking, i got one out of a 89 and hooked up speedo and the two electrical type connectors and everything worked like it was there from the factory. the connections were hard to get to and you need to take off the lower covers and the top part should be 3 pieces, the light swith has to be removed and there is a little button you have to push that is kinda by the fuse box to get it off. ask me anything else you need to know.
JARED