I was wondering if the newer 06+ style dash with the white background, would fit in my 01 Ranger? or if it would is it a direct bolt in or would i have to chop the harnesss at all? Any help would be appreciated, Thanks

 

It may bolt in, but nobody has been able to figure out how to get an 04+ cluster to work in an 03 and older truck.

Partly due to this is because of how many changes Ford made to how they wired the Ranger in 04 through 12 when it was axed. For (at least) 98-03, likely more years, Ford used what is called a GEM, or General Electric Module. The GEM module is a very inclusive device. It handles the door chime, key chime, headlight chime, battery saver, your wiper speeds, your speedometer and as a result your odometer/tripodometer, and I believe it also touches in on your keyless entry a little bit.

In the explorer it also works it's fingers in on the autolamp circuitry, EATC, the eddie bauer steering wheel's radio controls, and a couple other things, just to give you an idea.

Beginning in 04, they took that design and slowly changed it, swapping over to the SJB, or Smart Junction Box. After that, I'm not sure how all those things in the ranger that were previously handled by the GEM are now used, but needless to say, unless you basically want to rewire your truck for a gauge cluster..... It's not worth it.

 

Thanks for the help man, and i have to say, that is some real **** there but understandable, Thank you

 

Yeah, it's a mess. You're welcome.

 

You'd be better off trying to find a white gauge cluster from a 99-01 Explorer Sport.

 

Is that one just a plug and play or do I have to chop up the harness and everything?

 

Plug and play, as is the explorer sport track's identical cluster.

The most you'll have to do is swap odometers, which requires pulling the speedo needle. Have a buddy and a GPS to do this.

Rule of thumb: If a cluster shares the same basic design as yours, albiet in different colors, then it'll plug in and work just fine.

 

Do I have to change the odometer? Just because mines broken now plus i have a new motor so it's different then what it says anyway

 

You don't have to if you don't want to.