aftermarket cruise control?

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as i finish my long list of cruiser projects, the one thing i'd really like to have is cruise control. i've read most of the threads on here and have yet to see anyone with an aftermarket cruise control they are happy with.

so before i give up on this, is there anyone out there who has an aftermarket cruise control they are happy with or has any idea of what to do? i've got the best mechanic in the land http://www.torfab.com so the installation is covered, i just need the right product.
 
Why do you want cruise control in the first place is the real question I think that you need to ask yourself? If you have long stretches of highway that require a continuous speed then I can see it, other than that it is a worthless add on (most seem to remove them). These trucks did not come with them in the first place but with you have a 62 and automatic/efi it should be a bit simpler. I remember a friends early 90s subaru wagon that had "aftermarket" cruise and really it was just garbage but I have never had cruise in anything older than a late 90s vehicle so I can't really comment. I think most dont like the aftermarket ones just because they are not well integrated into the vehicle systems.
 
My 62 has a dealer-installed aftermarket CC and it works just fine...never had a problem on the rare instance I've used it, except for the installer's use of those damn Scotchlok connectors.
It looks like a big PIA to install (read a lot of shop-hours billed to you).
 
60 Series Cruise Control

My 62 is a DD and this has been on my list for a while. Georg at Valley Hybrids installed a Rostra kit in my truck and it works just fine.

Best source for Rostra parts (including seat heat kits and other toys) is Brandon Distributing. Joe knows everything about what to order for what vehicles. He is at 877-402-3944.

We used parts # 250-1223 (primary kit with servos, mounting brackets, wiring harness) and 250-3742 (column mounted control module). Parts total around $225.

You jack into the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) via engine harness or add-on sending unit (added part cost if needed).

Install required some fiddling but Georg is still talking to me. Other sites/posts suggest a few hours to get the parts installed and dialed in. Tor is awesome and I am sure he could do this, no problem.

The user experience is not quite as responsive as 21st century OEM (it is a cable connection, after all), but it works just fine. Press "on" button, hit "set" button and you are done. It maintains speed up and down hills, pauses when brakes are applied. Just like the new, integrated rigs.

I am very happy with the results. HTH :cheers:

Cruise 2.webp


Cruise 1.webp


Cruise 3.webp
 
wardharris said:
My 62 is a DD and this has been on my list for a while. Georg at Valley Hybrids installed a Rostra kit in my truck and it works just fine.

Best source for Rostra parts (including seat heat kits and other toys) is Brandon Distributing. Joe knows everything about what to order for what vehicles. He is at 877-402-3944.

We used parts # 250-1223 (primary kit with servos, mounting brackets, wiring harness) and 250-3742 (column mounted control module). Parts total around $225.

You jack into the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) via engine harness or add-on sending unit (added part cost if needed).

Install required some fiddling but Georg is still talking to me. Other sites/posts suggest a few hours to get the parts installed and dialed in. Tor is awesome and I am sure he could do this, no problem.

The user experience is not quite as responsive as 21st century OEM (it is a cable connection, after all), but it works just fine. Press "on" button, hit "set" button and you are done. It maintains speed up and down hills, pauses when brakes are applied. Just like the new, integrated rigs.

I am very happy with the results. HTH :cheers:
Click to expand...

Since the 62 doesn't have a VSS, does Georg intend to put a magnet and sensor on the driveshaft? That's how mine is set up. Be great if there was an actual VSS that could be installed between the tcase and the factory speedo cable, but I haven't seen anything to that effect.

Edit: N/M, I see you've got a GM drivetrain, so I would assume you DO have a VSS.
 
Spook50 said:
Since the 62 doesn't have a VSS, does Georg intend to put a magnet and sensor on the driveshaft? That's how mine is set up. Be great if there was an actual VSS that could be installed between the tcase and the factory speedo cable, but I haven't seen anything to that effect.

Edit: N/M, I see you've got a GM drivetrain, so I would assume you DO have a VSS.
Click to expand...

Yessir, there is a VSS on passenger side of 4l60e but we did the add-on magnet send/receive kit as an interim solution, rather than splicing into the trans harness. Planning to replace the GM LT1 with an LS at some point.
 
Tor -
Yep, knew it would take some tech time but the drive back/forth between Cali and Whidbey was killing my leg/back. This works for the time being. Did you use an OEM cruise switch or go with something like the Rostra?

Speaking of later motors, have you done a Gen IV swap, like a 6.2 L94 out of an Escalade or Sierra? I like the idea of Active Fuel Management.

Cheers!
 
I'll try to stay on topic, with cruise (it's hard to type that word without the R at the end) control, active fuel management will definitely yield higher mileage ;-) I've stayed away from that generation to date because I have heard of engine issues due to that system. I don't know how big the issue is, but I have friends that are GM techs who say they have spent considerable time lately repairing issues created by it.
 
Rostra

I've got the exact same set up as Wardharris though my control module is on the right of the steering column. Brandon is great to deal with. I have had mine for 3 years. I transferred it to my latest 60 after my previous one was totaled. The install was not too bad. I think it was about a 2-3 hour install including the VSS.

I live in Montana and long distance driving is a fact of life. The cruise(R) control means that I don't get as much leg fatigue which is good on a 6 hour drive.
 
Been one of my long time desires for my 60. I love cruise control for nevada driving. And the auto in my cruiser makes it almost a no brainer.
 
Mace shoot me a PM if you're interested in a used one that was in my 60.
 
I must say that's on my list too; not sure why anyone wouldn't like it? :confused: I couldn't care less about power windows, locks, etc but I like my cruise!
 
Cruise(r) Control

I love the Mud crew - a great place for good insights/information:

"the one thing i'd really like to have is cruise control"
"they are not well integrated"
"Don't do it."
"never had a problem"
"happy with the results"
"cruise(R) control means that I don't get as much leg fatigue which is good on a 6 hour drive"
"not really worth it."
"aftermarket cruise control units can work well, but are time consuming to install "right""
"almost a no brainer."
"I could care less about power windows, locks, etc but I like my cruise!"​
And no wrong answers!:lol:

landcruiserjunky is right. The add-on VSS is klugy and can need some TLC but its nothing more than a zip tie and some magnets. (photo below)

Mud, snow, rocks, heavy rain, etc. probably not a good environment for one of these things. In my case, the truck is 90% road warrior, so no worries on this end.

:cheers:

VSS.webp
 
VSS

I have the VSS that goes in between the speedo cable and the trans. It has the VSS output wires that plugged right into the Rostra unit. Hardest part was keeping the keyed spline in while I was on the creeper under the 60. I can get the part number if anyone wants it.
 
If it is handy, I would like to have the number as a backup as I think the 84 speedo has VSS on it. I am going to add cruise(r) control at some point after I get the 2FE motor and tranny in and sort out all the rest of the details. I believe the ECU would like VSS input as well, so more info would be great. Thanks!
 
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