Questions from a semi-beginner

[Burns]

Ford's famous floating gauge:

Anyone else have the problem where, driving around for a bit, you see your at maybe half a tank, look again 10 minutes later, it's at about 3/8's tank, then again in another 10 minutes, it's up to 5/8's tank? I know for a fact I have the "electric floater," because I've had to replace the fuel pump and fuel tank itself. Is there anything that will give me a solid and stable reading on my gauge?

Dashboard woes:

I'm getting tired of the old stock dash instruments. I'm looking for something a little brighter at night, a little easier to see, and maybe, just maybe, digital. I'd also like to add a gauge or two for some extra measurements. If I get a full blown instrument panel kit plus whatever installation kits and wiring kits I'll need, is the panel that hard to rewire/replace? I don't want to start tearing into it and then all of a sudden hit a brick wall (figuratively) with my daily driver.

And I know this has probably been asked a million times, but I can't for the life of me find an answer I can completely understand. I apologize if it seems/is redundent.

The straight axle conversion kit on Jeff's Bronco Graveyard lists it as a complete kit, but I've heard that it's only a "part 1 of a full kit." Is that all I'd need? And if so, would I need to get a rear lift kit if I were to get the 8" front end conversion?

I'm trying to avoid sounding like I have only a small clue as to what I'm doing, but I figure best way to learn is to ask who knows and who's done it.

Thanks for the help guys (and gals!) >

 

[Justshootme84]

1) The problem with the erratic fuel gauge is usually due to the float deteriorating and falling apart. Don't know how long it's been since you replaced the sending unit/pump assembly? I know that on your 90 model, tat assly is quite costly (over $200), and many folks just learn to live with it. You can check the wiring from the dash to the tank for any connection problems. If you have a loose or corroded connector, it can be touchy while driving. Very seldom have i seen the gauge itsefl go bad, most problems are with the in-tank sender.

2) you can check with Dakota Digital for a custom kit, or install individual digital gauges in place of the stock ones. It's not too hard to remove the instrument cluster. I believe your's has 3 main plugs, then the speedo cable, and the shift indicator for the auto tranny. I'm working on installing aftermarket gauges in my 84, and replacing the entire wiring harness at the same time. It is quite intimidating.

3) The SAS kit sold by JBG is supposedly the brackets to adapt a solid/straight dana44 to your TTB dana44 Bronco/F150. My $0.02, the kit is way overpriced. You might search some more and try to locate someone to fabricate the brackets for you.

Much more detailed info on these topics and others for your Bronco can be found in the Tech articles forum. Look for a link to "Miesk5 Homepage", and go to the sections on SAS, steering, etc. Your wandering steering is common on Ford trucks. Possible causes are worn tie rod ends or drag link, worn u-joints or rag joint in the steering shaft or wear in the steering gearbox. The gearbox slack can be adjusted by tightening the set ***** 1/4 turn. JSM84

 

[Burns]

1) The problem with the erratic fuel gauge is usually due to the float deteriorating and falling apart. Don't know how long it's been since you replaced the sending unit/pump assembly? I know that on your 90 model, tat assly is quite costly (over $200), and many folks just learn to live with it. You can check the wiring from the dash to the tank for any connection problems. If you have a loose or corroded connector, it can be touchy while driving. Very seldom have i seen the gauge itsefl go bad, most problems are with the in-tank sender.2) you can check with Dakota Digital for a custom kit, or install individual digital gauges in place of the stock ones. It's not too hard to remove the instrument cluster. I believe your's has 3 main plugs, then the speedo cable, and the shift indicator for the auto tranny. I'm working on installing aftermarket gauges in my 84, and replacing the entire wiring harness at the same time. It is quite intimidating.

3) The SAS kit sold by JBG is supposedly the brackets to adapt a solid/straight dana44 to your TTB dana44 Bronco/F150. My $0.02, the kit is way overpriced. You might search some more and try to locate someone to fabricate the brackets for you.

Much more detailed info on these topics and others for your Bronco can be found in the Tech articles forum. Look for a link to "Miesk5 Homepage", and go to the sections on SAS, steering, etc. Your wandering steering is common on Ford trucks. Possible causes are worn tie rod ends or drag link, worn u-joints or rag joint in the steering shaft or wear in the steering gearbox. The gearbox slack can be adjusted by tightening the set ***** 1/4 turn. JSM84

I did the fuel pump on 2/24/07 (I keep meticulous records of EVERYTHING I do to the truck, even gas receipts) and the float and rod seemed fine then. Guess I'll just live with it.

I have seen the brackets sold alone, I just thought it'd save me a lot of time and money getting everything in a "kit." I'll have a looksee on Miesk5's site.

And my steering issue is hopefully going away soon. I've already done wheel bearings, TWO new steering boxes (first was faulty and caused me a lot of trouble), new tie rod ends (both sides), and I'm getting a new column out of another Bronco, from the steering box up, and replacing all bearings and the rag joint before installing. The owner said his steering was never loose at all, so I'm hoping this will all fix it. I tried shotgunning the problem, telling myself "It's better to replace it now and be on the safe side than just solve the immidiate problem and have it come back tenfold on me later."

The dash will come soon, I'll dig up some wiring diagrams and see what trouble I'm getting myself into. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Thanks JSM84.