Instrument Cluster Replacement
 

Happy New Year to All...Have a 98 F150 XL 4.6 5sp. I want to replace the instrument cluster with a 99 that has a tach. I want to be assured that the wiring on my truck HAS the tach connection and that all the wires will reach when I swap them. Anyone done this? I'd hate to take it all apart and find out the wiring isn't there from the factory. Also, can I easily change the mileage on the 'new' one to match what is really on the truck? Thanks much, najdap

Ford changed the wiring harness in 99, as well as some components. I have a 98 truck, and a cluster from 99 Lightning(pretty much the same as any other 99 and up cluster except for the electroluminescent lighting and the boost guage) I also have a pigtail from a Lightning that I was planning on splicing into my harness. I found out that it can't be done without ripping the dash apart and replacing the whole harness and a few electronic components.

The best thing to do is get a cluster from a 97 or 98 ford truck that has a tach and what ever other guages you might want. This will plug into your truck with no problems. As far as the odometer, you can change it yourself, but is very tricky and I can't explain it. You may be able to find a dealership or garage that can do this, or just take your odometer out of your cluster and put it in the new one.

The easiest way to tell a 97/98 cluster from a 99+ is the 97/98 have three electical connectors on the back of the cluster and the 99+ have only 2.

Sorry for the long post, it's 4am where I am and I have been up all day. Hope this helps.

DG808

Doorgunner808, GET SOME SLEEP !!!
Thanks for the quick reply...I checked the back of the 'tach' cluster and it has three female plug-ins. It must be a 97-98. I'll give this a try when I find a warm garage to work in. Thanks a lot for your input, I'd be lost without all you smart folks.
najdap

Thanks for the compliment, I'm only smart on this because I found out the hard way. I payed around $230 for my Lightning cluster and another 30 for the elec. connectors, only to find out that I cant make it work...oh well

DG808

Hopefully I'll have a warm place to do this in a few weeks & I'll be sure to let you and others know what I found. Congrats on your 10 days left and I want to THANK YOU for allowing me to sleep well at nights. You all do a job that is soooo important and no one seems to ever say thanks. Have a safe trip to your next destination,
najdap