88 Instrument Cluster Help

[RNMashups]

I've got a 1988 4.0 automatic. RWD shortbed.

 

A few months ago, I bought a cluster off of eBay to get rid of the dummy lights I have. What I didn't realize at the time was that I bought a cluster from an '86 XJ so the speedometer cable needed to be swapped as well. Since it was non-refundable, I decided to try and make it work because even if it was older, it would be an improvement if I could figure it out.

 

I searched high and low and thought I had finally found the speedo cable to make it work. It was this Pioneer CA-3001 model. I installed the cable and my eBay cluster (and required sensor upgrades). Everything is working except the speedo. I checked the inner core of the cable and there is no movement when I hit the gas.

 

I went back under and disconnected the cable and reattached it as tight as can be, but even so there are about 4 threads exposed which seems odd. My current theory is that this speedo cable does not sit far enough down on the housing to actually reach the gear housing, so nothing is engaging when I accelerate...but that's just my best guess right now.

 

I suppose my question is...how far do I go from here? Has anyone else experienced this? I'd hate to have to buy another cluster just because I can't get the speedo cable to work right. But I also don't want to waste my time working on a bastardized setup that's not worth it in the long run. Where should I go from here?

[fiatslug87]

Rockauto says you need Pioneer CA 3068 

[RNMashups]

Right? That was the one I bought first. The problem is that plastic end does not fit the back of the gauge. It has the metal clip that locks the speedo cable in. 

 

I did forget to mention that I don't have cruise control, so it needs to be the full length. The problem is it seems the only ones that have the right end I need are the short 38" ones for cruise control setups. It's almost like I somehow found the perfect combination of items to make this impossible.

[eaglescout526]

If you’re dead set on using the 84-86 cluster, that Speedo connection is a GM connection(I say GM but it may not actually be GMs and just could’ve been the industry standard). My 79 Firebird has the same connection to its speedometer. Maybe there’s one just long enough from a 4x4 GM that will go in. The SJ Wagoneer might use the same connection too and should have long cables. 

[Eagle_SX4]

Some pics would really help in this situation.

 

I used a cable for an 84 XJ on my Eagle when I switched to the XJ style speedo gear. It should have the same ends you are looking for. The part number is ATP Y803 and is 83" long.

[RNMashups]

Sorry, I'm going through my photos and coming up empty. My MJ is at a family members garage, but I plan on stopping by tomorrow so I'll take some pictures and post them. At the very least to help others not make the same mistake I did.

 

After going back and re-reading previous posts about this swap, I do think I'm S.O.L. I'd rather get the right cluster and do it right then try and mix and match my mistake