I have a 99 XL, which means no tachometer I was looking at kits for a new dash with a tach on it. Ive never installed one before, is it difficult? What does the process entail? Any help/opinions would be helpful. Thanks in advance

 

Get an XLT cluster with a tach, a service manual (Haynes or Chilton) and have at it. To me.... installation would be no big deal. If you have never done one... have confidence and plenty of patience

If it has digital odometer, I believe it would have to be re-calibrated to the PCM from a dealer

 

I'm not sure what you mean by 'dash kit'.
Basicly, you can't install a "conventional" ignition driven tach
on these motors because there is no "single" point ignition signal to sample, that offers a true representation of RPM.
The factory dash tach ends up being driven by a signal from the PCM.
As far as I can see, there would be no calibration for a tach because it samples the engine RPM but there is a calibration for the speedometer that depends on rear gear ratio and tire size.
This calibration is made in the VID software word, in the PCM program.
Last I knew, MSD might have an adapter circuit that samples and "converts" to a represenative of the true engine RPM.
Good luck.

 

Note: I was referring the "re-calibration" in reference to the odometer. Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't I read that a cluster change that contains a digital odo has to be "corrected" to the PCM ?

 

To put a XLT cluster in your XL, you're going to have to deal w/ the PATS issue, or the truck won't start. I believe this can only be done by Ford.

 

probably more hassel then its worth then

 

what about a mini tach in the A pillar?

 

Correct, to install a OEM cluster with a tachometer in a 99+ truck, you have to:

1.) Disassemble the panel to where you can readily take out the cluster.
2.) Drive to a Ford dealer with your panel apart
3.) Swap in new cluster (plug and play) and let the service department flash the ECU. Its about $75 for a diag. fee and it takes ~1 hr from what I'm told.

Otherwise if you swap the cluster and aren't at a dealership, you just made the worlds most expensive lawn ornament.

Although mine was easier to swap, I still think its worth it. A tach is a must-have.

Did you bother reading before posting?

 

depends, when I changed the XLT cluster from my '02 Lariat I gained 40 MPH on the speedometer and the built in boost gauge to impress the ricers

trust me it was well worth it

Or you could just get a tuning device like the SCT Live wire, gryphon CS or aerofroce inteceptor (IF they are compatable with your truck)