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i would like to change out my speedo because the switch that resets the trip mileage broke off...my question is will the speedo come out by itself or is the dash cluster one piece it looks like 3 pieces tac,speedo,gauges but i would like to know what kind of job i am getting into before i get started....
Not sure what year you have, but if it's an 80 - 86, the entire cluster comes out extremely easily. A few screws here and there, reach behind and unclip the speedo cable, and you have the whole cluster in your lap.
I think the only gauge (at least in an 80 - 86) that is integrated into the cluster is the tachometer. The glass comes off with another few bolts, giving you access to your speedometer. In that case, you could probably just do some handy work and reattach your tripometer button.
As for anywhere from 87 - 96, I've never messed with them, but I have seem the gauges all individually for sale, so I believe they all come out. You don't, however, want to know what gauges cost new... I've seen whole used trucks go for less.
seems to me like I have heard or read about some law that is associated with changing the odometer if you are selling your truck. I know for sure it carries stiff penalties for dealerships that sell vehicles with adulterated odometer readings, but I am not sure how it applies to someone who is simply replacing the cluster because of operational problems. LOL, I am guilty of rigging up a system where I could simply hit a switch and erase milage anytime I wanted to, not to sell my car or truck for more because it had less milage, but to get my money's worth for that 2000$ warranty I paid for and never had to use it during the period it was in effect. I finally was able to reclaim some of the money I paid by getting my front end done in my 2001 pontiac bonneville, which ended up being 1400$, so they still ended up 600$ ahead, but I felt better getting some of my money back for that expensive aftermarket warranty!!!
I bought a 92 Ranger new and it had a dash cluster that didn't include a tach. Three or four years later, I worked up the courage to take the dash apart and remover the dash cluster. I had acquired at a wrecking yard, a Tachometer style instrument cluster out of an Explorer I think. Long story short, the speedo, tach, and instruments, were separate components that fit into the common "bucket". I think I remember a circuit card plugged into the back. I saved my speedo and then used my donor tach and gauges as well as the circuit card from the donor cluster. I was pleased in the end. Everything went back together, and it looked and operated like it came from the factory that way. I know it's not a Bronco but the F-series/Bronco gauges had a pretty similar look to them in 92.
I had a problem with my speedo gauge on my 95.
The speedo shop said I needed to replace the gauge cluster...$350.00!
I then went to the junk yard and got one for $75.00!
I was able to remove the speedo gauge from the junker and install it in my cluster.
Its not easy if you dont know how. But it is possible.
Mine works but the speedo is now 10mph fast at idel. The problem is I did not clock the needle properly. You must pull off the needle and put it back at the right position!
Its still that way! But thats how you learn!
I hope this helps. Learn from my mistakes.
Last edited by rudedogii; May 23, 2009 at 01:36 AM.
Reason: spelling