Speedometer help

[demok83]

Hey guys,

My speedometer has never worked since I purchased my truck. I replaced the speedometer cable today, and it still doesn't work. I hooked the cable up to my drill, and I got the speedometer to read, so I know that cable and speedometer itself is good. I then disconnected the gear housing? (don't exactly know what this thing is called, pic below) from the transmission. It had a little rod that when I turned it, the other side span so I figure that is ok too. I then pulled the little plastic gear out of the transmission and it appears to be in good shape as well. Long story short, everything looked as if it should work! But it doesn't..... Any help? I did just put 20's on it, so I know when I do get it working, it won't be entirely accurate. Any help on that as well? Thanks!

[GM-power]

What tranny are you runnin?
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[demok83]

I believe it is the 400

[wraprail]

That thing in the picture is a gear reduction (advance) can't remember the exact name but it is used to calibrate the speedo. pull it apart and make sure nothing is messed up inside it. I awalys packed them with grease. Used one for many years.
Thats where I would start.

Also check that your cable is long enough. It has to reach into the speedo and into that reducer.
When you remove the reducer from the trans it has a little metal deal that sticks into the plastic gear in the trans. Make sure its there.

[demok83]

I spun the little rod that stuck out on one side( the side that goes into the tranny) and the other side was spinning as well, so I assumes it was working properly. I can take it apart though and give but a look. Any other suggestions?????
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[hatzie]

You've narrowed it down to the connection at the transmission/transfer case end.

The driven gear may have a sleeve inside that engages the stub from the gear reduction box.
The same type of sleeve may be required at the reduction box output to mate it to the cable.

These sleeves go missing when the cable or ratio box is unscrewed.

[demok83]

Sorry, I just realized I didn't put the year and model! It is a 1986 custom deluxe. Thank you for the advice. Do they sell these sleeves? I will try to crack into it again tomorrow....

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by demok83

Sorry, I just realized I didn't put the year and model! It is a 1986 custom deluxe. Thank you for the advice. Do they sell these sleeves? I will try to crack into it again tomorrow....

I'm not sure... I'd call a speedometer shop and ask them about small parts like these cable adapter sleeves.

[wraprail]

Only other thing it could be is the drive gear inside the trans?
You said the driven gear in the trans is good.
I would just remove the gear reduction/ratio adapter for now untill you actually get the speedo working. One less thing to worry about.

[demok83]

Yes, it was the inside gear! Had the transmission shop put a new one in it, and now I'm good to go. Thanks for the help guys.
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