Builds Box Rocket 1990 SAS Pickup (1 Viewer)

[Box Rocket]

Just had a thought and wondered if anyone has tried it or can foresee any gotchas. The instrument cluster in this truck is the base model with the speedometer in the center and a temp gauge on the left side and a fuel gauge on the right. I'm wondering if I could possibly use an instrument cluster from an 80 series (similar year) The pickup 1989-1994 would share similar electronics (at least same era tech) as the early model 80 series. I know the dimensions of the cluster are probably a bit different but it would be nice to get some of the extra stuff like the tach and oil pressure that is on the 80 series cluster.

Anyone have any knowledge or info on doing this?

 

[dohcdelsol93]

I'm assuming the fuel lever sending unit in the tank won't match the fj80 dash. This can be converted using an adjustable conversion box. I'm using a cheap eBay from china one as the hot rod catalogs were too much $$$. So far so good 2 years and counting.

The speedometer on the 80 I'm assuming is electric vss and not cable driven. You can use a universal vss sensor running off of your rear axle pinion flange bolts and a Dakota adjustable conversion box to dial it in. If you have electric vss I'd still use an adjustable conversion box as tires size changes can throw off even a stock vehicle Speedo considerably.

Oil and water will be easy adapting the 80 sensors.

Does the 80 run a distributor like the pick-up? If so another converter will be needed so the V8 tach will run less cylinders.

Dakota has some competition now on some of these items, been a while since I shopped around.

I'm running a 2005 Passat gauge cluster. Most of my cluster is powered via my ECU via the CAN other than the oil dummy light, speedometer and fuel gauge.

So yes it will absolutely work, just need to figure out how to make everything read.

I used black tape to cover the warning lights I don't have like traction control, ABS, wiper fluid etc.

Tying in indicators like blinkers, high beams and cruise control were simple with a wiring diagram to assist.

 

[Box Rocket]

I'm assuming the fuel lever sending unit in the tank won't match the fj80 dash. This can be converted using an adjustable conversion box. I'm using a cheap eBay front china one as the hot rod catalogs were too much $$$. So far so good 2 years and counting.

The speedometer on the 80 I'm assuming is electric vss and not cable driven. You can use a universal vss sensor running off of your rear axle pinion flange bits and a Dakota adjustable conversion box to dial it in. If you have electric vss I'd still use an adjustable conversion box as tires size changes can throw off even a stock vehicle Speedo considerably.

Oil and water will be easy adapting the 80 sensors.

Does the 80 run a distributor like the pick-up? If so another converter will be needed so the V8 tach will run less cylinders.

Dakota has some competition now on some of these items, been a while since I shopped around.

I'm running a 2005 Passat gauge cluster. Most of my cluster is powered via my ECU via the CAN other than the oil dummy light, speedometer and fuel gauge.

So yes it will absolutely work, just need to figure out how to make everything read.

I used black tape to cover the warning lights I don't have like traction control, ABS, wiper fluid etc.

Tying in indicators like blinkers, high beams and cruise control were simple with a wiring diagram to assist.

Thanks. That's good info to get me moving and looking into solutions for that stuff.

 

[brettk]

Maybe we’re not thinking the same thing…but wouldn’t it be easier to do an SR5 cluster swap from the same body style?

 

[pappy]

Maybe we’re not thinking the same thing…but wouldn’t it be easier to do an SR5 cluster swap from the same body style?

You said it before I did. It's a common swap on 1984-1989 trucks/4R.

 

[brettk]

Here’s a picture I pulled off the thread of my pickup. They’re not the cheapest things, but eBay or a local yard are your best bets. Pickup or 4Runner will fit fine from 1989-1995. They came in couple of configurations: Cable driven and later electric (I *think* 93-95) and they are geared for either 22RE or 3VZ. You want a 22RE.

Note 1: If you want to ditch the cable, I *think* you can convert to an electric with an adaptor.

Mechanical to Electrical Speedometer Adapter

Looking to put a gear-driven transfer case underneath your Tacoma, but having issues adapting your electical speedometer to the transfer case? Trail-Gear is now offering a Mechanical to Electrical Speedo Adapter to remedy this issue.

www.lceperformance.com

Note 2: 3VZ tach’s seem more common, if you can’t find a 22RE one, there are YouTube videos of guys messing with the internals to make it work for there’s. Seeing your attention to detail, it should be short work.

 

[pappy]

If you go this route make sure you swap out the oil pressure switch for an oil pressure sender. That idiot light switch won't work with the gauge.

 

[Box Rocket]

View attachment 3798704
Here’s a picture I pulled off the thread of my pickup. They’re not the cheapest things, but eBay or a local yard are your best bets. Pickup or 4Runner will fit fine from 1989-1995. They came in couple of configurations: Cable driven and later electric (I *think* 93-95) and they are geared for either 22RE or 3VZ. You want a 22RE.

Note 1: If you want to ditch the cable, I *think* you can convert to an electric with an adaptor.

Mechanical to Electrical Speedometer Adapter

Looking to put a gear-driven transfer case underneath your Tacoma, but having issues adapting your electical speedometer to the transfer case? Trail-Gear is now offering a Mechanical to Electrical Speedo Adapter to remedy this issue.

www.lceperformance.com

Note 2: 3VZ tach’s seem more common, if you can’t find a 22RE one, there are YouTube videos of guys messing with the internals to make it work for there’s. Seeing your attention to detail, it should be short work.

yeah an SR5 cluster would be the easiest approach but they aren't exactly easy to find for a decent price. Most of the ones I've found are very overpriced. I have a cluster from an 80 which is why I brought up the question.

 

[GeoRoss]

If you go this route make sure you swap out the oil pressure switch for an oil pressure sender. That idiot light switch won't work with the gauge.

And the pressure switch will fry the gauge. Be sure to get a Yazuki pressure sender.

 

[The Toad]

And the pressure switch will fry the gauge. Be sure to get a Yazuki pressure sender.

Hopefully this doesn't come across as being anal but I think the brand is Yazaki... could be wrong there, but just want to make sure Mr. Box Rocket doesn't accidentally buy from the wrong manufacturer. Some of those Japanese companies were named very similarly, like how our drive belts are made by Mitsuboshi instead of Mitsubishi.

 

[GeoRoss]

Hopefully this doesn't come across as being anal but I think the brand is Yazaki... could be wrong there, but just want to make sure Mr. Box Rocket doesn't accidentally buy from the wrong manufacturer. Some of those Japanese companies were named very similarly, like how our drive belts are made by Mitsuboshi instead of Mitsubishi.

Could be, typos are rough. Either way, don’t get an aftermarket sender. I learned the hard way.

 

[Box Rocket]

Hopefully this doesn't come across as being anal but I think the brand is Yazaki... could be wrong there, but just want to make sure Mr. Box Rocket doesn't accidentally buy from the wrong manufacturer. Some of those Japanese companies were named very similarly, like how our drive belts are made by Mitsuboshi instead of Mitsubishi.

Thanks. I figured it was a typo. Have known about Yazaki parts for a long time, but thanks for watching out for others who might read the thread!

Merry Christmas

 

[Box Rocket]

The truck got a little bit faster today. haha. My son said the red color makes it feel like a Ferrari and he wished it was as fast as one. So I whipped up some stickers. Not quite the "prancing horse" but since the 22RE is often compared to squirrels.....

Untitled by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Untitled by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Untitled by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

 

[aztoyman]

Perfect! I know who to consult for stickers now too.

 

[Box Rocket]

So I picked up a SR5 gauge cluster to swap in. Finally found one at a reasonable price but once I go it into the truck it wasn't working. On closer inspection there were a few of the copper ribbon circuits that were damaged. Grrrrr.

Untitled by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Untitled by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Untitled by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Contacted the seller, and he happened to have another one that he sent as a replacement (free of charge). So now I just need some time to get it installed and hopefully this one works.
Also have the correct Oil pressure sender for the SR5 gauge. Still need to replace the fuel sender so that will be next.

 

[Box Rocket]

Installed some hood lift struts last night. Much nicer not dealing with the prop rod.
Untitled by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Untitled by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Also got some new shift knobs from Cascade Creek. Nice look and feel to these.
Untitled by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Untitled by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

 

[littlevulture]

Also got some new shift knobs from Cascade Creek. Nice look and feel to these.

Are they Instagram only or is there a website? Those look great and with a little luck I’ll be needing some custom ones soon.

 

[Box Rocket]

Are they Instagram only or is there a website? Those look great and with a little luck I’ll be needing some custom ones soon.

I actually found them on Etsy. Search Cascade Creek

 

[Box Rocket]

Ok question for the hive mind. Electrical is admittedly not primary skill set but I can't figure this one out. I got the replacement SR5 gauge cluster. Everything looks good. I got it hooked up, (including swapping the oil pressure switch for the sending unit) and all the gauges work but I cannot get the dash lights to work. I've inspected the bulbs ( in fact I've switched the main lights to LEDs). I've tried it with the factory incandescent bulbs and with the LEDs, same result. Fuse in the kick panel is good, dimmer is all the way up. I've put a test light to the sockets on the cluster and they are all getting power but nothing from the bulbs.

Am I missing something?

 

[gnob]

is the ground side good?
is it one of the ribbons that was damaged?
edit: i forgot you got a different one. still verify the ground.

also make sure the little contacts on the bulb holders are clean and actually making good contact.