My 85 xj's speedometer stuck/broke again, and I was told by a speedo repair shop It can't be fixed. I've swapped this cluster b4 so I am familiar with the procedure, and I thought this time why not swap for a newer cluster with a 91 (electric) speedo in it. Outside of adding a sensor at the Tcase and dealing with a different plug on one side it seemed do able until I started thinking about the ECC connection between them. My jeep never came with one, and correct me if I'm wrong doesn't the trany sensor connection go to the ECC then to the speedo in a 91? Will my scenario work or not?

 

From what I recall, I do not think it would work without a lot of time and effort.

don't know if the computer even monitored vehicle speed in 1985. I know on the cluster on my 92, everything was one big plug for all the gauges, so the harness wouldn't be there to connect to for the electric speedometer unless you wired it in specifically, which would require numerous parts and trial and error. Maybe some other guys here who know more have attempted similar projects and can chime in. For what its worth, I'd try to find another cluster and just swap speedometers. Maybe even look into a different speedometer shop (not trying to be harsh, but some guys out there are real hacks).

 

If I can find another mechanical speedo and that's a big IF I will but the 91's and up are way easier to find now.

 

I found one on ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/84-85-86-87...UAAOSw84ZcM~t5

You may have to replace the upper speedometer cable to make this one work, but that's the fun part of old vehicles.