question about changing tach cluster

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Aug 3, 2010 | 10:43 PM

So-Cal Sancho

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question about changing tach cluster

I found a cluster with tach for a good price, for my truck a 1996 f250. Is it possible to put the speedo part with the mileage reading on it from a non tach model into the tach model? that way the miles will read correct? or is it just plug and play and the computer remembers the miles not the cluster?

Aug 3, 2010 | 10:45 PM

DreadyDiggs

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From: Portsmouth, Va

You know...you could just get a tach seperate and not have to swap out clusters?

Aug 3, 2010 | 10:47 PM

So-Cal Sancho

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right now i have no tach and wanted to add one

Aug 3, 2010 | 10:54 PM

DreadyDiggs

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From: Portsmouth, Va

Pep Boys sells Tachs, Autozone, Napa probably. You can get a tach and just wire it up and sit it somewhere that you think is cosmetically and functionally sound that way you don't have to risk tampering with your current cluster.

From reading this you have a digital odometer. Mine is analog, but even still, I swapped clusters and did NOT bother trying to keep the mileage accurate haha. My truck has a tach though and I swapped in another cluster with a tach.

I'd forget about swapping the clusters and just wire in a store-bought tach.

Aug 3, 2010 | 11:36 PM

BigBlueOx

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From: Rusty, Maine

Yes you can and will need to swap your speedo head to retain your original mileage. The trick is that you need a tach cluster from a 96 or 97 truck. 97 being F-250 or F-350 of course. A 92-95 cluster won't jive with your other cluster electronics.

Aug 4, 2010 | 06:54 AM

TexasGuy001

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I would swap the clusters. It looks better than the aftermarket tachs.

Like BigBlue said, you need one from a newer old body style truck. The earlier ones won't work right.

Aug 4, 2010 | 09:17 PM

So-Cal Sancho

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thanks fellas, i think i'll do it. the cluster i found is out of a 1996 also so hopefully it will be a easy swap.

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Aug 24, 2010 | 03:58 PM

Jbarlow

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Cluster Sawp

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBlueOx

I was just replacing my cluster to get a tach also. My truck is a '97 F250HD 4x4 5.8L
I got a tach clust from a wrecker and swaped it in on the weekend but haven't put the dash bezel back on yet. I was from a older truck (possibly a '94 I think. The P/N is a F2_______ whereas my old one has a F6________ P/N.

It seems to work so far but volt gauge reading lower. How aren't they compatible, because I can still swap it back.

Also, how do you make the oil pressure gauge a real reading gauge instead of the "light with a needle" kind.

Jay.

'97 F-250 HD 4x4 5.8L