brewmiss96

Similar thread that did not answer my question

I want to know if I can take a 90-95 gauge cluster and use it without modification in my 1st gen 89 4runner. I have the basics; speedometer, odom, fuel and temp, but I want a tach and oil gauge. Are these two gauges compatible or do I need to find a Gen 1 gauge cluster with the tach and oil?

Also, how do I change the odom to match my current one if I do change out the cluster, or is that even possible?

thanks!

xxxtreme22r

will not directly bolt in without modification to the dash, I have had both in my hand and it will take some work to get it to attach to the dash, the shapes are completely different. I have heard however that the 2nd gen dash can be swapped into the 1st gens but have not read up on it as of yet.

worshipmentor

iTrader: (3)

WELL....... I just did this swap yesterday! not for the faint hearted OR someone who is not eletrically (wiring) sharp.
The three connectors from 1st gen will snap into the 2nd gen unit BUT the pinout is COMPLETELY different (requires moving pins from one connector to the other & lengthening several wires) AND you need to get a donor connector from the 2nd gen vehicle (3rd one from left) and add it, it handles your turn signal indicator.
Wire colors dont all match up correctly either. you need 2 power feeds and the 1st gen only has one BUT there is a couple black w/yellow wires that are hot in run that will work. For ground I think it calls for white w/black wires but i used the brown. Since i didnt have a 2nd gen wiring diagram i had to trace all the, um, traces back to their function then make my own wiring diagram.
On mine there was also a plastic sleeve of some kind over the speedo end that had to be removed for my cable to fit.
Also the tach (came from a 3.slow V6 4runner and mine is a 22RE) seems to be about 2/3rds of what i think it should be (shows 1800 @ 65mph in OD) and idles around 550.
ok, now to the install. I had to cut the right mounting ear off the cluster, i also had to remove about 3/8" of plastic from the left side of the dash opening and open up the backside of the opening on the left end (where a wiring harness runs through).
I also had to remove the metal mount adapters at the top of the 1st gen and install it on the upper mounting ears on the dash frame (this allows you to screw down the top of the dash cover securely)
Mine isnt mounted other than being held in place by the dash cover but it is VERY secure.
Anybody intertested in more detail hit me back or leave a message here.
Happy Motoring!!!!!

RMA

i always thought it was impossible .. how about some pictures of this ..

worshipmentor

iTrader: (3)

ok, i can snap some picks when i pull it back out to adjust the potentiometer on the tach.
BTW i may have misled with my description. I swapped a 91 4runner (i called it 2nd gen) cluster into an 87 pickup (i called 1str gen)
sorry for the mistake!

worshipmentor

iTrader: (3)

ok so i tried to post the pics here but it says they are to big a file. I have posted them in the members gallery under my name.

xxxtreme22r

It's easier to do with a free photobucket account. But to save us some time......

91 & 87 cluster compare




upper bracket mod for dash swap




Right side opening mod for dash swap




Left side opening mod for dash swap




Added connector needed for swap to 91 dash




91 4Runner dash in my 87 pickup

sebastianholmes

does the fuel gauge work or are you just empty?

xxxtreme22r

I'd be more worried about that oil pressure gauge. 500 rpm and showing 0 psi.

worshipmentor

iTrader: (3)

Lol fuel gauge works, sender issues (20years in the rust belt) and I get the pressure sender tomorrow (still has the idiot light sender)
Thanks for posting the pics for me. I figured out how to resize them on my comp when I had nothing else
To do @ 1:00am!!

89 Frunner

I tried it.. placed it.. checked out all the wiring, and IMO for how much of a pain in the a$$ it seems to be, unless your completely in love with your 2nd gen cluster I would save your time and headache (but I gotta admit xxxtreme22, that does look really good, I really wish it was easier... or I had patience. lol!)

xxxtreme22r

Just to clarify, I haven't done this, just helping the O.P. post up his pics.
I like my 1st gen dash/cluster. Especially when I got one of the few without the dash crack.
I just don't like my hideous blue color. haha.

worshipmentor

iTrader: (3)

@ 89 frunner-
I am the one who did the swap & took the pics, he just posted them for me.
It was a lot of work (I love a tech challenge) I admit, but I hated the stock cluster (speedo, Fuel & temp). It
Probably can be done easier with a different 87-88 cluster but I couldn't find one abs got this one for a good deal.

xxxtreme22r

just to clarify, and it confused me at first, but this is just the cluster not the entire dash swap right? Looks like so.

89 Frunner

That looks awesome i still need to learn more of the wiring in my truck/ reading wiring diagrams, which is why I gave up on the gauge swap. I did put a 91' consul into my 89' but with the dash I was lost the minute I looked at all the connectors.

worshipmentor

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, it is just the cluster not the whole dash

worshipmentor

iTrader: (3)

Well......i guess i could share my homemade wiring diagram. Its not that hard really, all that's required is moving a number of pins from one connector to the other, extending a few wires so they reach and adding the one extra connector. if you lived in driving distance of me here in Mississippi i'd be glad to help you out! :wabbit2:

stanz

iTrader: (1)

What is the final fit and finish like? Are there any gaps in the bezel around the cluster or is it undetectable that you did the swap?