Making A Custom Gauge Cluster

[sean9721]

So I've had the idea of making a custom gauge cluster in the future. I'm gonna buy the 3 gauge cluster from Advance. It comes with sending units. After that, all I will need is fuel level and a speedometer. Since I have a 96, I believe I would have to use an electric speedometer. Also, when I get a fuel level gauge, would I have to get a new sending unit?

 

[RangerFabWorks]

yes you need a new sending unit for the fuel gauge.

 

[Psychopete]

Also, when I get a fuel level gauge, would I have to get a new sending unit?

Figure out what your ohm range is and go from there. Some aftermarket gauges (like autometer) are in range of some factory senders. They do also sell aftermarket senders to install, but then again, it would need to match the gauge. There doesn't seem to be much standardization here, so triple check everything to make install easier.

Pete

 

[sean9721]

Thanks guys. I still dont know about how to do a speedometer. Also, with me putting in new gauges, my friend says that it will screw with the computer blah blah blah. Will this happen? Ive added it up and it will cost about $250 for me to do all this.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

if you disconnect you original gauges and bypass them, your computer should be ok. just dont screw with any sensors. and tee off your water temp so the computer can read accurately

 

[sean9721]

and tee off your water temp so the computer can read accurately

Thanks. I forgot about that. Does anyone have insight on how I would have to do the speedometer?

 

[RangerFabWorks]

what kind of trans do you have?

 

[sean9721]

what kind of trans do you have?

5 speed manual. I know that I have an electric speedo. Also, would I have to keep the stock water temperature gauge?

 

[RangerFabWorks]

no you dont have to keep the stock temp gauge, just branch off where it goes into the block for your new gauge. this way when your trucks temp warms up, your computer can adjust the idle and such accordingly. but now, you can ditch the stock gauge

 

[RangerFabWorks]

and for the speedo, there should be a way to tap into the harness to run the new speedo, just get an electric speedo. other than that im not sure. hope this helps ya.

 

[sean9721]

http://www.egauges.com/ATM_Tips.asp?TipPage=fuel_level_gauge.htm

According to that chart, I wont have to get a new fuel level sending unit.

And I can use this gauge since it's 16-158 ohms:

http://www.egauges.com/vdo_ind.asp?Type=Fuel_Level&Series=Sport_Comp&PN=ATM-3518

I'm still confused on how to wire up the speedo.

 

[ShiftRacing]

I would look at the wiring diagram for your truck and see if you could splice into the existing wires. I want to do the same on my 1998 eventually, so send me a message on here or at ShiftRacing@YMail.Com and let me know how it goes.

 

[99RangerBoss]

you can buy speedos in summit that use the same sender as what ford uses for your home free there! and i know with my 03 i can pull out the gauge cluster and the truck starts, runs, and drives just fine