Gauge panel

[js314bs]

So I’ve been digging around in junkyards picking up some parts and I'm sort of thinking about getting the gauge cluster out of one of them so I can get a tach. Mine is a 5spd manual with 80k on it and everything I can find is an auto with 150k+ on it.
The connectors all look the same; will the one out of an auto work with my truck. Also, is there any way to get the cluster rebuilt so it reads the same as the actual miles on my truck, or is it possible swap over the spedo and odometer from my gauge cluster?

 

[rangerluver]

I have often wondered the same thing. I have a 97 2.3 5 speed w/o a tach w/ 208,000 on it and I really do not want to start tearing the engine up now. So, not that I baby it, but I do try to stay off the redline but if you don't know where that is...well its kind of hard sometimes. I'm just saying. Its got a 4:10 rear end. If it goes 20 in first, you blew the engine, nearly.

So, in lew of a 5" Sunpro tach costing way too much, can we put in what js314bs just asked?

 

[cajunman87]

yes the gauge cluster from an automatic will work in a manual, just use the little black block from your old gauge cluster in the new cluster where the gear selector goes. as far as rolling the odometer there is an article in the tech library. If your truck does not have a tach, adding a cluster with a tach will work. our trucks are prewired for tachs they just didn't put them in all trucks, kinda dumb. I did the swap on my manual 98 with a white gauge cluster from an auto explorer. here is the link to roll your odometer. http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/spring2009/odometer.htm

 

[js314bs]

didnt find that earlier and its right there in front of me, thanks.

 

[rangerluver]

Cool, thanks. I already changed the bulb color to red, about 3 years ago, so this will make me very happy.

 

[js314bs]

Just to confirm, there is no legal way to do this?

 

[mywhip]

Just to confirm, there is no legal way to do this?

Why would you think this? I just swapped mine out last week.

 

[Spott]

It is not legal to change an odometer reading with intent to mis-represent the mileage of the vehicle.

It is entirely legal to change the odometer reading in order to reflect actual mileage. In fact, it's encouraged. Otherwise, you're gonna have to keep a note about the difference between indicated mileage and actual mileage, for legal purposes.

Spott

 

[chad333]

yes the gauge cluster from an automatic will work in a manual, just use the little black block from your old gauge cluster in the new cluster where the gear selector goes. as far as rolling the odometer there is an article in the tech library. If your truck does not have a tach, adding a cluster with a tach will work. our trucks are prewired for tachs they just didn't put them in all trucks, kinda dumb. I did the swap on my manual 98 with a white gauge cluster from an auto explorer. here is the link to roll your odometer. http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/spring2009/odometer.htm

Do you know if the first gen Ranger/Bronco II's were wired like that?

 

[Vanner1993]

What he said^

 

[js314bs]

I thought any messing with the odo reading was illegal, just got done with my swap though and it was really easy.
I thought if someone found out it didn't come from factory with a tach that could make a stink and I would loose value on the vehicle. I plan on keeping a ranger forever, but it might not be this one .

 

[koda6966]

So all the wires for a tach is sitting behind the cluster? Plug and play or do I have to make something?

I have a 93 cluster with tach that I want to put in my 93 without one.

 

[js314bs]

I don't know when it changed styles but the ones with a rounded top are plug and play. You might have to change wires around but if its from the same year same model I doubt it (found this online, users.isp.com/vmstep/stuff/rangerinst.pdf).

 

[koda6966]

Mines got the square top. Older (Gen 2/early 3) dash.

I think I might just sell it anyway, I wouldn't do the swap until I matched miles, and that would take me 22k lol.