Or any other way, to get a Tach even if I need to make the Bezel for it...

After racing motorcycles for ages, I don't really care how fast I;m going (I'm going as fast as I can) But the Tach is key to decide/awareness of the optimal shift points, etc

Sure my van is automatic, but I will like to establish a correlation in between the engine noises and the approximate RPM's on the engine..

Cheap please, my van cost me a $1000, I don't want to spend $500 on some gauges..

 

If you haven't read them already, here they are:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-possible.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...r-install.html

Do whatever @Y2KW57 says...

 

I've done this myself---and it works fine without issues. I used a cluster from a '99 F-Series into my '03 E250. They physically interchange, existing chassis wiring connectors fit into the "new" cluster, the gear indicator works too. You do indeed change the chassis wiring to accommodate the "new" cluster's internal wiring. You would want a diesel fuel cluster as it may have some indicator lamps the same year gasoline van's wouldn't have.

If you don't have fairly extensive experience with reading Ford's schematics and pin out diagrams this isn't an easy quick swap. I'm slow so devising and testing what would become my final wiring layout it took me several weeks working part time. Honestly you're better off mounting an aftermarket tach somewhere you can quickly locate visually. Auto Meter is my go to gauge brand but I'm not on a budget--GlowShift ain't too bad for the money.

This is a cool idea, fun to contemplate but for me and having already done this really don't know if it was worth the effort.

 

Do the 7.3 vans have a tach signal (CTO) wire built in like the gassers do?

Adding a tach to my 97 5.4 was super easy:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...997-5-4-a.html

 

I think the CTO wire was part of all E-Series after a certain year, that not being known to me. If the 7.3 E-Series doesn't already have a tach that lead should be present and located in the wiring bundle running just under the front cowl just above the brake booster. Sometimes its a bit buried in a plastic channel that's easily unlatched to retrieve the wiring inside.

 

Thank you for all the guidance, I'm very exited even if electricity and me don't really get along..

My van is a 2003, hopefully I can find the wire and go from there..

I need to go to the "Pick a part" and get some panels for my rusty spots, so hopefully they will have a 7.3 to take the instrument panel..

 

Thanks Tim, i just did not know how to worded, ergo, no way to search for it..

Those two links are a great start..

gracias..