...the gauge cluster from an FX4 Lariat will fit in the XLT?

It looks the same size, I would think it would fit.

How do the gauge wires connect? Do they just plug into the back?

A friend of mine had a Chevrolet and he put an Escalade cluster in his truck, I'm looking to do the same... only with an FX4 cluster.

All of you F-150 guru's let me know!

 

It'll fit. The wiring harness I'm not sure on. Many folks have upgraded their STX clusters to XLT's & FX4 clusters. Tach and all! Should be a pretty easy mod for you! A little search should reveal the steps to success.

 

Here's a related question: If you replace the cluster, does the odometer on the new cluster know your current mileage or does it reset to zero?

 

Thats a good question surely someone out there knows, I would be interested in changing mine out so I could have a tach!

 

I really like the look of the FX4 gauges, and I stumbled across a deal to where I could get some cheap.

So, I just want to make sure I can get em in without too much work

 

The odometer data is held in the cluster assembly itself (and possibly secondarily in the PCM), so you can't just buy a cluster and install it. You need Ford (not sure if it can be done at the dealer or if they need to order it with the mileage to be set from the "factory") to preset the cluster with the correct odometer reading for the vehicle.

Here is a fairly comprehensive thread about the topic. It was started by Red04 when he tried to install a new cluster on his own. Then STXDriver was able to have his dealer successfully install a new cluster. Lots of good information here if you are interesting in changing your cluster:

STX gets New Cluster w/ Tachometer

If you decide to change out your cluster, please let us know how it goes.
Good luck,