ok guys if got a 1996 f-150 5.0L and i am going to buy a tech from auto zone and im wondering how i would hook that up. is there a connector that i need to connect the wires with or dont i have to do some major wireing?

 

Why don't you go get an instrument panel w/ a Tach included at the bone yard. Cheaper ($20.) cleaner look, 94'-96' = plug n play! W/ no aftermarket unit smackin ya in the knee. The unit your talkin about has good clear instructions & works well though.

 

so if i get one from a junk yard all i have to do is plug it up is there a connector for it under the dash?? i would like a stock one, also does it have to be from the same engine or can i get one from a 5.8l?

 

There's a block connector in the dash. Needs to be for a auto trans, not manual.

 

i'm not sure if you it matters what engine all you have to do is find a gauge cluster from a 94-96 with a tach in it.. the wiring harness already has a connector for a tach so all you have to do is take the old one out and plug everything back into the new one. heres a write up on it https://www.f150forum.com/f10/changing-dash-46962/

 

The gear indicator portion is removeable and can be swapped to the new cluster. You're also more likely to find one with a tach in a manual.

 

Doesn't the motors have to be the same for the tach to work properly?

 

That I'm not sure of because it matters to an aftermarket tach. As long as you stick to the same number of cylinders you'll be fine.

 

I did the tach swap in mine...tranny doesn't matter because that piece is held in by 2 screws. I'm not sure about the engine differences, but when I did mine I was told as long as I stuck to the same years it didn't matter what engine it was

 

That's what I was thinking. I know my aftermarket tach has a selector switch on the back of it. 4/6/8 cylinder. I figured it would matter with the factory cluster tach. I don't want to be the one to find out if it matters though lol