electronic to cable speedo dash swap?

[RockinS10]

I have an electronic speedometer on my truck it does not work and from what I know the computer is disconnected. Can I swap this cluster (which is probably defective - see my other posts) with an older cable speedo + tach. There is one on ebay here. http://cgi.ebay.ca/87-88-89-Chevy-S10-Blazer-Gauge-Cluster-W-Tach_W0QQitemZ180268280078QQihZ008QQcategoryZ33675 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Melonhead]

The speedo will work but the tach will have to be altered for the use of a v8 vs a v6 or 4 cylinder. A different capacitence will be needed to show the correct rpm. The tail if the trans will need the old style gears vs a reluctor (VSS). The tail housing can be swapped out with no problem.

[RockinS10]

Thanks for the info. Sorry for the dumb question, but the tail housing is for the speedo right? What if I keep the electronic one? Here's one that'll fit.
Can that be done for my V8 or is it better to go cable?
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=160263726144&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=006

[Melonhead]

The cluster you last shown is for an electronic speedo. The tailhousing needs the wire connector and the reluctor on the tail shaft. The best trans to use is the 91-93 non-electronic 700r4. The 4l60e come out in 94 for the trucks and blazers. The 91-93 700r4s came in a bunch of GM vehicles. That trans would allow the kickdown cable of the old style and still work with an electronic speedo cluster. Yes the tail housing is for the speedo.

[RockinS10]

I have the 700r4 with kick down cable and wrirng coming from the trans tail.
I guess it's the original 93 that came with my truck. can the electronic speedo work without the computer or do is it better to go the cable and geared trans tail?

[Melonhead]

Here is a wiring diagram. http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528003db5f
The computer needs to be there for the cluster to work. It does not have to be hooked to an engine to work. Your choice for the direction you want to go.

[Melonhead]

You can take the reluctor off and replace it with the gears. The tail housing would have to be changed to an earlier year model with the cable.

[RockinS10]

Thanks a bunch. You said the best 700r4 is without the electric speedo. Any reason why?

[Melonhead]

Less complicated. The gears and equipment and tail housing is there already.

[frank53]

You dont need the computer but you do need the DRAC modual(vss buffer) DRAC is a small white plastic box ,mounted on the outside of the computer with two plugs coming out of it. If ya need to know wire colors and where they go let me know.

[frank53]

That last post was for a digital dash

[Ryoung68]

Frank53 in on the button, the DRAC module converts the electrical signal from the trans tail sensor to pulses for the electronic speedometer. When I swapped my 89 S10 the 700r4 was from a non-electronic Camaro. A quick trip to Mr. Transmission, switched out the non-electronic tail shaft with an electronic one free (its good to know people).

[RockinS10]

I found the VSS buffer or DRAC module under my dash passenger side. The two wires from the trans go into it. The wires then continue to the dash cluster. Everything seems connected and the wires good. AlldataDYI had some test steps. According to that test I should replace the speed sensor because I have no voltage going to the VSS buffer from the purple/white and green/black wires that are connected to the trans tail VSS.

Any comments on this? Is it easy to replace?

[RockinS10]

The computer is disconnected, and the dash is digital. (Gauges look analog, but no cable to the speedo). Frank53, are there other wires to connect other than the two I mentioned? The truck used to have cruise - anyway to hook that back up? I have been looking around and see that speed sensors can control shifting as well. If mine is not working will the transmission still shift? I also saw that maybe the park/neutral circuit could be causing the speedo problem.

[frank53]

No power to vss buffer,check ign/gau fuse,20 amp. Should be 2 plugs on buffer. A small plug (4 prong)witk one wire,yellow,goes to cruise control. The large (9 prong) plug with 6 wires.If you look at the plug close all prongs or wires are numberd 1 thru 15,1 thru 4 being small plug. Check wire #9, pink with a white tracer for 12v. this is power from fuse.

[RockinS10]

Thanks Frank, I'll check it out.

[RockinS10]

The fuse is good, no power on the pink white wire - I'm sure I used to have it before I reconnected the ground at the fuse box... this is driving me to ... :fun_55:.

It looks like I'm looking at pulling my whole dash to find the problems :mad:

[frank53]

Its not that bad to pull dash and wire harness. Ive got a 87 s10 blazer 4x4. I swaped a 92 digital dash pod and wire harness then spliced in a 87 350 tpi engine wire harness. Itll go a lot easier if you have a good scematic (wire diagram). Just try and take your time. If I can help let me know,good luck!

[RockinS10]

I ran a wire form the ignition fuse connector to the pink white wire. So now ground is good and voltage is there at ign. No voltage from VSS while in gear. replace VSS?

[RockinS10]

changed VSS what kind of readings from OHm meter should I look for? getting variable readings is this normal. read ohms or volts?