hi, i just got my f-150 about a week ago. i thought i would ask you guys this question because you seem pretty knowledgeable. i have an XL with a v-6 and a 5 speed. i was wondering how hard it would be to swap out my guages with a panel from a lariat or somthing with a tach. i would just by an aftermarket one, but i would rather it not look like an after thought.

 

I have been considering the samething. Have been getting conflicting info on the odometer deal.

 

who all have you talked to?

 

im a elec. tech at a dealership and i dont know if it will plug up and work with a tach, but from what i know about the way the data link to the cluster works, i think it will work fine, just havent ever tried it.

 

they will work fine with a tach as the tach wires are there... just no tach gauge is there. ever try the digital odometer test thing; it will show you a digital tach on there even though you do not have a tach gauge on the panel. get a XLT gauge cluster and it will work perfect!

 

I was reading a ford technical cd and the gauge cluster looks like it will work, same plugs and every thing, but there is a note saying that some information must be downloaded from a modual and then uploaded into the new gauge clusters modual. It might have something to do with the odometer value. I know some of the data is when the seatbelt warning will chime or if the antitheft light will flash. this is for a 2001 model. I'll check to see if its needed for earlier models.