I pulled the gauge cluster down from the top shelf today for something to do. I just wanted to confirm the compatibility before tearing into the dash and getting it swapped out.

CURRENTLY, I have the stock 2000 cluster with NO TACH.

I'd like to install the 1998 cluster WITH TACH.

It should plug right in, and all dummy lights should work correctly, right?

I did a search, but found thousands of results, so I figured I'd ask and be told. Thanks (, Bob)!

 

it should work....the tach is fed from the PCM......

 

Gracias, señor.

 

I haven't done it myself but a tach cluster swap from 98~2000 should be the best bet for your 2000. These years have a lot in common and the electrical is very similar.

Keep in mind that you also must repin the truck's harness connectors to make the cluster read the V8 RPM correctly.

According to those who have done it, the procedure involves moving a ground wire to tell the cluster which cylinder count you have:

Go to the smallest of the 3 cluster connectors and use a probe to release the pin for the black/yellow wire. Then snap that BK/YE wire/pin into the largest cluster connector in position #16 (vacant pin position at the very end of the connector). That's how it's done on the Explorers to differentiate between V6 and V8.

However, in your case, you will be going from a 4 cylinder to a V8 and it looks like that will require an additional step. The ground wire may be present in the small connector but, according to Ford's schematics, it doesn't go anywhere in the 4-cylinder trucks (that's how the Ranger cluster differentiates 4-cyl from V6).

Soooo, my best guess is that you will also have to extend the BK/YE to chassis ground after the repin procedure above.

 

Wow...simply amazing Bob! I'll get that checked out today!

Also, What is the "slosh/gage" chip I found in the top right portion of the back of the V8 gauges? (not sure yet if the 4-banger gauges have it)

 

The slosh module electrically damps the movement of gauges in the cluster, particularly the fuel level gauge. Without it, the fuel level gauge would jump around over every bump and turn. Hence the name, "slosh" module.