Tach module

[davem]

How do i get one of those tach modules for my v8 swap?

[Dave]

Dave, this is the other Dave (motor mounts).
You don't need anything else than what you have now. All you need to do is re-pin a couple of connections to get that tach you have working. You had a 4 cyl right? Have the right pin connections soon.
Dave of the Nord

[Dave]

Knew I had them saved away. Might need the correct wiring diagram for the Ranger, I should have that also. Here they are:


Regardless of whether an Explorer or Ranger cluster is used, a ground wire will need to be reconfigured for the V8 swap. It is the dash harness that determines how the tach reads, not the cluster. In the case of a 4-cylinder dash harness, it needs a ground wire added for the V8 tach calibration; Rangers originally built with a V6 need the ground wire moved from one cluster connector to another to correct for the V8 firing frequency.

Tachometer ground differences for 4, 6 or 8 cylinders

8-cylinder: "Selector" ground configuration:
pin 8 of the 10-pin: (NOT connected to anything)
pin 16 of the 16-pin: (wired to chassis ground)

6-cylinder: "Selector" ground configuration:
pin 8 of the 10-pin: (wired to chassis ground)
pin 16 of the 16-pin: (NOT connected to anything)

4-cylinder: There is no "Selector" ground
pin 8 of the 10-pin: (NOT connected to anything)
pin 16 of the 16-pin: (NOT connected to anything)


The above should be correct for these RBV's:
1996~2003 Ranger/
1996~2003 2-door Explorer Sport
1996~2001 4-door Explorer
2001~2003 Sport Trac

[jzwartster]

I wish I could understand what it is that i would have to do to use my indash tach. Or just eliminate it to a different style because I have a tach on the dash.

[cgrey8]

I've been running my stock V6 tach since the V8 was put in. Yeah, it's high but I got used to it. But I also have my laptop datalogging software to tell me what the real RPMs are so I've gotten used to how much it is off. If I had a tach module, I'd use it but I'm not hurting for one.

[MalcolmV8]

Dave, the instructions you posted above for making changes to a factory tach, does that not only work on 98 or newer? I forget the details but someone posted up details on that a long time ago including pics etc.

I never did find anyone else making those tach modules like I did for a while. I looked at getting a patent on the modules and just having a company make them since I never have time but wow it was thousands and I'd only sell a handful.

[Dave]

Yep, those are only for correcting a '98' up in dash tach. Just involves repining that one connector, guess i'll have to find that connector in the wiring diagram and post it.
Dave of the Nord

[Teddyzee]

Those details work for 1995 and up, when the dash was re-styled. Here's a quote from my original swap thread on RPS:

Okay, so I re-pinned the stock tach in my '97 (formerly 4.0), using the first post in this thread:

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/ ... hp?t=54840

Don't laugh it can be done and it's a lot easier than you think. I was wondering why Ford would build 4 different clusters for the Explorer and Ranger and come to find out they didn't. The cluster is the same over all the vehicles (plus the prndl on the auto trans units) After looking over the print for the cluster and the EVTM for the Explorer and Ranger tmosko and I found how they make a V6 into a V8 cluster.

Here's what you do. I'm using a 1999 Ranger EVTM for reference

1, Get your dash apart and disconnect the cluster
2, If you have a EVTM turn to the Instrument cluster section.
3, Locate Pin 8 on wire connector C216 (Black/Yellow Wire)
4, Use a very small flathead screwdriver to release the pin from the connector housing
5, Find Connector C214 (largest of the 3 for cluster)
6, Install the wire removed from C216 into slot 16 on C214. This slot is currently vacant.
7, Put everything back together and fire it up. You're done!!


We've tested this on tmsoko's truck and it works great. Now for the unlucky ones, like myself, who had 4 bangers I have to dig a little more. I don't think we have a wire in pin 8 on C216. We may have to spice a ground off another source.
I know this will work on all vehicles '98 and newer. I don't know where the '96 and '97 Rangers got their tach signal. Check your EVTM for your truck and the explorer.

Simple, simple, simple.

Pics:

Pulled pin 8 from C216


Installed it in slot 16 on C214 (far left):


My tip of the day- put the cluster back in place top side first.


And a short video, complete with screeching serpentine belt. It seems accurate.


I installed the ABS bulb while I had it apart. The ABS wires were cut due to the lowering, but I'll repair those when I install the Traction Lock.

[Chris]

I've been running my stock V6 tach since the V8 was put in. Yeah, it's high but I got used to it. But I also have my laptop datalogging software to tell me what the real RPMs are so I've gotten used to how much it is off. If I had a tach module, I'd use it but I'm not hurting for one.

To fix the tach on your truck all you need to do is find a V8 instrument cluster out of an 87-93 F150 or Bronco. Just take the tach motor and electronics from the F150/Bronco cluster and put it in your ranger cluster. All the mounting points and electrical connections are the same.

[Dave]

Thanks Teddy!
You always seem to have good write-ups and the good pictures to go with them. Got to save all this info.
Dave

[MalcolmV8]

Awesome info there guys.

[davem]

Thanks for the fantastic info. I have a complete set of wire prints for my truck so i can trace the wires. Its nice to have someone to ask that has done this conversion before. I am getting close to setting the engine and trans next weekend, If my trans comes in.


Thanks again Dave (Mich)