90-91 Trip/Speedo in an 85

[Doppleganger]

Is the 90-91 speedos with the tripometer a direct swap into an older (85) cluster? Really wanted something aftermarket (better) gauge wise but $ may not allow it for a bit. Was wondering because I thought the electronic trans came in around then and wondered if the speedo was cable or VSS driven.

THX

 

[nvrenuf]

90 and 91 models had an electric speedo using a VSS sensor on either the trans (2wd) or tcase (4wd). I believe the circuit runs through the computer plus you'd need a DRAC, etc. I would not think that would be an easy install.

 

[BKING33]

Yes you can do it. It will require some wiring upgrades. I installed a 90 Speedo in my 89 Burb cluster.
All you have to do is wire it up to a DRAC module and of course you need the wiring to the vehicle speed sensor.

 

[ak4life]

Yes you can do it. It will require some wiring upgrades. I installed a 90 Speedo in my 89 Burb cluster.
All you have to do is wire it up to a DRAC module and of course you need the wiring to the vehicle speed sensor.

Anyway you can elaborate, sorry i get what you are saying.....but can you list all parts involved regarding lets say an 81 4wd k20 w/700r4 and adding an 1989 gauge cluster and steering column.....pics and instructions would be nice but i get thats not exactly an easy task....thanks in advance

 

[BKING33]

You will need a Speedo from a 90 or 91 Blazer or Burb. I just swapped out the speedo from the existing cluster on my 89.
I spliced in the wiring from the drac module to the speedo. You will also need the harness that goes to the vehicle speed sensor as well.
I had a parts truck that I took everything out of that I needed. There are several different drac modules depending on your gear ratio and tire size.
i think they do make an aftermarket one that is adjustable.

 

[bucket]

There were '89 speedos with a Trip, and they were still cable drive. In other words, a direct swap.

 

[CheemsK1500]

I'd look into getting a digital conversion box for your original speedo like this one.:

The Easiest Speedometer Conversion: SPEEDBOX™ | GPS, Transmission | SPEEDHUT®

Designed to operate a cable-driven mechanical speedometer using built-in GPS, modern transmission signals, or CAN-BUS - the SPEEDBOX™ is the easiest speedometer conversion around. Shop the box now.

speedhut.com

It's a little pricey, but more versatile.