I have a 96 ranger 2.3l 5 speed. While I was trying to swap out the worm gear for the odometer the little black piece that holds the speedometer needle broke. My gauge cluster does NOT have a tachometer on it. Is there a way to get a gauge cluster from a 3.0 or 4.0 with the tachometer and hook it up to mine and have a working tachometer? If so what years would work? Additionally would I be able to pull my odometer piece and put it in to the new cluster so the miles are somewhat close? would the three connectors on the back of my gauge cluster plug right into the 3.0 or 4.0 gauge cluster? Would the worm gear drive from my 2.3 fit a 3.0 or 4.0 as well?

 

Probably need to stick to '96/'97 model year, '98 and up are 3rd generation.
Wiring should be plug and play and yes tach wire should be there

4cly or V6 won't matter for tach in these years, the computer sends out the tach signal, and computer is for 4cyl.
In older years the tach would have a switch on the back for 4 or 6

If you have a manual then you can take your blank insert to replace automatic shifter display, and visa versa.

 

Will I be able to swap my odometer over as well??

 

Sure, but it involves pulling cluster apart.

Info and pictures here: How to change your Odometer when doing a gauge swap...95-03 trucks - The Ranger Station Forums