Instrument cluster swap.

[tw205]

I have a 89 BII LX 2.9 5 speed. Truck has no factory tach. I found an 89 ranger xlt with factory tach. Can I simply swap in the cluster?

 

[RonD]

Yes, there should be a green/yellow stripe wire in place on a connector on the back of current cluster, just not used

If its not there then you can run a new wire to Coils "-" terminal

Seen at bottom of this diagram: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/EDiagrams/files/Diagram_Ignitionsystem_1989_2_9.JPG

To Tach, DG/Y dark green/yellow, wire
Unfortunately I can't find a pin designation to use on the cluster, so hopefully wire is there

 

[tw205]

Yes, there should be a green/yellow stripe wire in place on a connector on the back of current cluster, just not used

Thank you Ron. In all honesty I already swapped them years ago but I’m chasing a power problem and I was curious if it’s all based around the swap. You have tried helping me on two issues with power but I’m not having any success.
One issue is overpower from the alternator. It won’t go below 14.6 warmed and running. I checked the input at the plug to make sure it matched the battery and it did. Running at 14.6 power on the lights and blower and it lowers into 13.8 but jumps around to a lower amount then back up and just keeps getting lower each time it jumps around. I have two alternators and both tested ok by the “ auto parts stores guys” but I have no faith there. I just ordered two new voltage regulators and am waiting on them.
Second issue of fuel gauge. New pump and sending unit a couple years ago. Worked fine then ran out of gas at 1/4 tank. Filled it up now never comes off full. When I posted and waited for a response I removed the anti slosh board, looked good, re inserted and the gauge would register 1/2 tank. I tested ohms, good, and bypassed it but it still stays full. Since ohms has no polarity it stuck me odd that I could only get a reading if I put the black/ground probe on the plug and the red/positive probe on the ground. While I had the cluster out I noticed the plastic circuit sheet is in horrible condition. Separating lamination and corrosion. I sold this rig after I did the cluster swap and bought it back a few years later after someone ran it into the ground and abandoned it in the woods for a year or two with windows and doors open. Was a mess. I’m leaning to the circuit board being my issue but used are about $150 and don’t wanna spend that just for experiment. What do you think? Thus far I’ve been beyond impress with your knowledge.
A gallon of gas and a match keeps coming to my mind.

 

[RonD]

Yes, the voltage regular reads like its stuck, it's purpose is to maintain a steady voltage in the system, so the fact the voltage drops as amp load increases, i.e. lights and fan on, means the voltage regulator is not varying the voltage its sending to the rotor brushes

Yes, hard to say about the wiring in the cab(or engine bay) after being exposed to the elements for a year or two
Elements being moisture(corrosion) and rodents(wiring chewing)

 

[tw205]

Yes, the voltage regular reads like its stuck, it's purpose is to maintain a steady voltage in the system, so the fact the voltage drops as amp load increases, i.e. lights and fan on, means the voltage regulator is not varying the voltage its sending to the rotor brushes

Yes, hard to say about the wiring in the cab(or engine bay) after being exposed to the elements for a year or two
Elements being moisture(corrosion) and rodents(wiring chewing)

I will patiently wait on my new regulators. I have a feeling that this over powering issue has cooked two batteries. I didn’t know it was overpowering until recently when battery had good voltage but insufficient amperage. Bought a new battery and checked out the system and discovered the over charge. I’m thinking it’s been an issue for a few years. I have several trucks and generally use this one as my winter rig. Shockingly I have yet to find a single chewed wire anywhere on the truck and I’ve gone over most everything when I pulled it out of the woods. Newer engine, fuel tank, lights and brakes. Too much to list. Anyways. Thanks for your insight.