1990 2.5L Gauge cluster swap options?

[lexluthier72]

Hey all,

Ive been thinking about doing a gauge cluster swap. I did a search and did not find specific info on doing this swap on a 2.5L. I need to know which years will work, and does it matter whether its a 4cyl, or 6cyl? I'm looking for the easiest "plug and play" option, but want rid of the idiot lights.

-Erin

p.s.- Someone should do a DIY, and have a good list of what works, and what doesn't.

[jimoshel]

A couple days ago I swapped a instrument cluster from a '89 4.0 into my '87 2.5. Works great.

All clusters from '84 thru '90 will swap. '87-'89 are direct swap. Later ones will also swap but there's more to them. Speedometer cable hook ups are different, Either swap the cable or the speedo. And the oil-temp sending units. Tach seems to be OK but I'm going to check it against another one some day.

[lexluthier72]

I assume that one from a 90 XJ will be a direct swap into a 90 MJ? (the speedo cable should be the same?) Does a 90 have a Potentiometer adjustment for the tach?

[Eagle]

Yes, the '90 cluster has the adjustable tach.

[lexluthier72]

Thanks Eagle! I assume if the replacement is also a 1990, that the speedo cable will be a match?

[Jeep Driver]

Yes, the '90 cluster has the adjustable tach.

 

 

Can you elaborate? I have the 2.5 and someone swapped the cluster and I think the tack is off. What to look for?

[vaquaro]

Yes, the '90 cluster has the adjustable tach.

 

 

Can you elaborate? I have the 2.5 and someone swapped the cluster and I think the tack is off. What to look for?

:idea: Hook up a hand-held tach and compare readings ( Adjust potentameter as required ) to state the obvious :hmm:

[lexluthier72]

I think he means to ask where is the potentiometer located on the (back?) of the cluster?

 

Also...anybody confirm that a 90 XJ will have the same speedo cable hookup as a 90 MJ?

-E.

[vaquaro]

I think he means to ask where is the potentiometer located on the (back?) of the cluster?

 

Also...anybody confirm that a 90 XJ will have the same speedo cable hookup as a 90 MJ?

-E.

Yes the speedo hook-up is the same . Easiest access to adjust the tach is by removing the speedo from the cluster , you can then access the adjuster screw with the engine/tach running easily :wrench:

[lexluthier72]

Thanks Vaquaro!

[jimoshel]

Can some one please post a pic of the backside of an instrument cluster with the tach adjuster indicated? Also what years had them and which didn't? I have removed IC from '84 to '89 and '93,'94,98 and '01 and I didn't see a tach adjuster on any of them. I also have the FSM for 1986, 1989 and 1993-94 XJ-MJ and there is no reference to tach adjustment.

[vaquaro]

here's a photo link - http://widetrackdrive.com/temp/mj/tach-pot.jpg

[HOrnbrod]

And another. It's under the white plastic housing.

 

[lexluthier72]

I'm a pretty smart guy, but I never would have figured that out without that photo. :D

[acfortier]

So if I have an '84 tach on my way to me to be swapped in an '88, I will have to change the cable?

[Eagle]

So if I have an '84 tach on my way to me to be swapped in an '88, I will have to change the cable?

Yes, you will. And the 84 tach does not have the adjustable potentiometer, so it has to match the cylinder count in your vehicle.

[acfortier]

So, as long as its from the 2.8 V6 it will read correctly for the 4.0?

[lexluthier72]

Scored this at the JY today $16 from a 1989/90 XJ. It came out of a 6cyl, but has the adjustable tach.

 

[vaquaro]

:thumbsup:

[Thunderbear]

How about us 86 2.5ers.. pre-90 cluster that matches cylinder count, or post 90 adjustable, correct?

[jimoshel]

Correct.

[BEATNGU]

So will an IC out of a 90 XJ be a direct fit for an 89 MJ.....????? :wrench: I'm handy...duh-huh-huh...!!! :dunce: