90 GMC Suburban intrument cluster question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

miket · 03-08-2003, 10:46 PM

Did tach's ever come in these from the factory as an option? If so does anyone know where I can get parts to convert a non tach cluster to a tach?

AnniesSS · 03-10-2003, 09:54 AM

I hate the stock cluster!!! GGRRRRR Who in GM thought that the "pie-chart" looking gages would go over big?! Stoopid!! lol

I don't think they did or my truck would have come with it I think.

jeffbo · 03-10-2003, 11:29 PM

I agree they are ugly. As far as parts, a local salvage yard would be your best bet. Even if you did manage to find a tach cluster at a salvage yard, it might not be set up for your particular tire size and rearend ratio, so the speedo would be off, not to mention the mileage being incorrect too. As far as other parts needed to do the swap, I have no idea what is needed. I do know that these gauges are all electronically controlled. Maybe it is as simple as plugging in the new cluster? Or you may need some different sensors or connectors. I'm not really sure.
I wouldn't even consider getting a new tach cluster from the dealership. I had to replace the non-tach cluster in my '89. The cluster was $250, after giving them my old one as a core. I asked if I could get a tach cluster instead. He said I could, but they wouldn't be able to take my non-tach one as a core then, meaning I would also have to pay the core charge, which was $400! I wasn't about to spend $650 for a gage cluster, so I got a non-tach. They had to get my mileage, tire size, and gear ratio and have one made for me then, making it defenitly a non-returnable item. So be very sure before you buy a new one.
Basically, I don't think it would really be worth the time or money, just for a tach.

miket · 03-10-2003, 11:58 PM

Thanks Jeffbo....I may just add a Sunpro to the cluster like I did in my 71 Cheyenne...that might be easier.

Thanks.

69c10stepside · 03-13-2003, 03:42 PM

Guys have to also remember that the 88, 89, 90, 91 burbs blazers etc are the body style of the 81-87 style pickups.

**crossy** · 03-16-2003, 09:52 PM

no tach was offered in the later year burbs(88-91) from the 81-87 style pickups. it could be installed but is major pain. an earlier dash won't work for you becausse you ned the computer speedo feed sensor that is on the back of your speedo right now . if you truck has ABS the whole back of your cluster is different from other 81-87 pickups also. DAVE

miket · 03-16-2003, 09:55 PM

Thanks.

03-08-2003, 10:46 PM	#1
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	90 GMC Suburban intrument cluster question Did tach's ever come in these from the factory as an option? If so does anyone know where I can get parts to convert a non tach cluster to a tach? __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

03-10-2003, 09:54 AM	#2
AnniesSS Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA Posts: 248	I hate the stock cluster!!! GGRRRRR Who in GM thought that the "pie-chart" looking gages would go over big?! Stoopid!! lol I don't think they did or my truck would have come with it I think. __________________ Annie 1990 Chevrolet 454SS 1989 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 Silverado

03-10-2003, 11:29 PM	#3
jeffbo D.U.F. Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Huron/Brookings, SD Posts: 288	I agree they are ugly. As far as parts, a local salvage yard would be your best bet. Even if you did manage to find a tach cluster at a salvage yard, it might not be set up for your particular tire size and rearend ratio, so the speedo would be off, not to mention the mileage being incorrect too. As far as other parts needed to do the swap, I have no idea what is needed. I do know that these gauges are all electronically controlled. Maybe it is as simple as plugging in the new cluster? Or you may need some different sensors or connectors. I'm not really sure. I wouldn't even consider getting a new tach cluster from the dealership. I had to replace the non-tach cluster in my '89. The cluster was $250, after giving them my old one as a core. I asked if I could get a tach cluster instead. He said I could, but they wouldn't be able to take my non-tach one as a core then, meaning I would also have to pay the core charge, which was $400! I wasn't about to spend $650 for a gage cluster, so I got a non-tach. They had to get my mileage, tire size, and gear ratio and have one made for me then, making it defenitly a non-returnable item. So be very sure before you buy a new one. Basically, I don't think it would really be worth the time or money, just for a tach. __________________ MEMBER OF THE DISCS UP FRONT CLUB '72 C-10 LWB Highlander, A/C, tilt TH350 w/ B&M shift kit, 327LJ bored .040", cast flattops, forged crank, L31 Vortecs, 9.25:1 CR, Comp conical valvesprings, Crane Energizer single pattern 216/.454", Professional Products Power Plus Crosswind intake, Edelbrock #1406 600cfm, HEI, dual exhaust, open 3.08 12bolt '68 C-10 4spd (not running) '79 C-10 LWB Mild 350 '80 Caprice Classic, 2-dr '97 GMC K-1500, SWB, Reg. Cab, Z-71, 5.7, Auto

03-10-2003, 11:58 PM	#4
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Thanks Jeffbo....I may just add a Sunpro to the cluster like I did in my 71 Cheyenne...that might be easier. Thanks. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

03-13-2003, 03:42 PM	#5
69c10stepside Large Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Northwest Arkansas Posts: 747	Guys have to also remember that the 88, 89, 90, 91 burbs blazers etc are the body style of the 81-87 style pickups. __________________ 1989 GMC C1500 ECSB 1972 Gmc Jimmy 1972 Chevy C10 SWB Sold

03-16-2003, 09:52 PM	#6
crossy Oh,you can't buy that new Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Pennsville,N.J. 08070, USA Posts: 2,039	no tach was offered in the later year burbs(88-91) from the 81-87 style pickups. it could be installed but is major pain. an earlier dash won't work for you becausse you ned the computer speedo feed sensor that is on the back of your speedo right now . if you truck has ABS the whole back of your cluster is different from other 81-87 pickups also. DAVE __________________ "been there, done that, ruined the T-shirt". 2007 LBZ GMC Sierra, ECSB 2006 LM7 RCSB Silverado 98 Vortec project. 94,3500,6.5L 4L80 81 SWB GMC POS finally gone 73 Pinto, stock, w/CragarSS's-eww LOTS of Cummins trucks.

03-16-2003, 09:55 PM	#7
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Thanks. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

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