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Standard Gauge Cluster: |
SR5 Gauge Cluster: |
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Q: I have a PU/4runner with the standard/delux gauge cluster (Speedo, gas and coolant only) and I want to swap to the SR5 cluster with the tach, voltmeter and oil pressure. What is involved in this swap? What do I need to do this? Is it hard? Is it worth the time money and effort? A: All you need is the cluster, an oil pressure sender and perhaps some bulbs. This swap is quite easy (maybe one on the banana scale). Yes it is very worth it, having a tach helps so much, the voltmeter is very accurate and having actual gauges instead of idiot lights is much better. Also the SR5 cluster looks sooooo much better than that gigantic speedo... Q: From what type of vehicle can I harvest the cluster? A: All 2nd generation (84-88) pick ups and 1st generation (84-89) 4runners will swap with each other. Any 89-92 trucks and 90-92 4runners will swap as well. In 93 Toyota switched to the quieter electronic speedo. So if you have a 93-95 PU/4runner you will need to find one from a 93-95 host. The only difference between the pick ups and 4runners is the bulbs that are used (IE: Back Door) 
I've noticed that not all SR5 clusters are the same, even from the same generation rig.
My friends 87 is different from mine that came from a 86. These are only superficial
style differences, the 86 has a grid on the face, and the speedo on the 86 goes to
85 MPH and the 87 110 (can a toy go that fast? That's another FAQ).
I would think they were changed when the interiors were "updated" in the 87 model year.
I don't have any experience with older first generation (79-83) Pick ups, Tacomas,
T100's or 1 Ton's but hey they are Toyotas so it can't be that hard.
You will need a cluster from a 4 cylinder if your rig has the 4 cylinder, and the same
goes for the V6. You can swap in clusters from different motors, the only
difference is in the tach, it will be off.
Info on how to re-calibrate a factory tach after a engine swap
here
Q: What about the digital dash from a 22RE-T (Turbo) model? A: I have no specific info, my best guess is that you would need to swap more senders, a lot more senders. Speedo, temp, gas, I would assume, but I really have no idea. Those clusters do look cool, but for that much work you're better off getting far more accurate after market gauges.  Q: Where they only found in SR5 Trucks and 4runners? A: Nope, that's just what we call them. Q: Where can I buy a cluster? How much should I spend? A: Junk yards are the best. $80-$100 is the local going price down here in San Diego. This varies by local demand and phase of the moon... Q: My toy is too nice for bone yard parts, should I get one from the dealership? (stealership) A: All trucks run on used parts. Don't waste your money, Toyota will rape you for one. Q: How do I remove the old cluster? A: On 84-88(9) PU's and 4runners you simply remove the 5 screws that hold the dash cover over the cluster, then remove the 4 bolts that hold the cluster in place. Now you must reach behind the cluster and disconnect the 3 electrical plugs and the speedo cable. Space is tight and that metal ridge will leave some scrapes on you hands, but chicks dig scars. Removal for 2nd gen 4runner (to install Indigo lights): Here Q: All those wires look complicated, do I have to re-wire anything? A: Yes and no, see below. Q: I've heard that some people who when swapping in clusters the tach won't work, what up wit dat yo? A: Some people do some people don't.
ShawnF on the Off-Road.com BBS stated:
"Not all trucks are wired from the factory for the tach. My '85 wasn't, and I had to
run one and cram it into the plug on the wire harness to get the tach to work. Not a
big deal though."And of course I have to put up Wayne M's world famous installation pics on his 84: 
 Q: What is the "Oil Pressure Sender" Where does it go? Where can I buy one? How do I install one? Is it hard? Do I have to re-wire anything? A: The oil pressure sender what reads the actual oil pressure and turns it into an electrical signal. "Idiot Light" sender (left) and SR5 gauge sender (right):
It mounts right below the oil filter on a 22r series motor. I need to check on the
V6. I bought mine at the stealership for less than $30, which is pretty reasonable for
a dealership part. Also sensitive electrical parts are suspect from junk yards, so
I would go new with this part.
The sender just threads directly into the block, it is very
easy to swap. However my old sender was seized on and I ended up snapping it off (doh!)
Try using some EZ-Out or something similar.
Toyota likes to keep things simple and the wire for both senders works for either,
you do not have to re-wire anything for the oil pressure gauge.One word of caution: Don't leave the old sender hooked up if you swap clusters, you will damage the oil pressure gauge if you do Disconnect the wire if you haven't swapped in the new sender, believe me on this one. Q: My gas gauge doesn't drop when I turn off my rig with my SR5 cluster, is this normal? A: Yes, yes it is. Q: The odometer is off on my new cluster, can I change this? A: You can do anything you want, but I ain't gunna tell you how...all right fine, quit twisting my arm. Basically, this is what I heard. You can take apart the number assembly and manually manipulate them, so you don't have to spin them. Be careful and pry out the pins that hold the numbers in place.
Other ideas are to try and swap the number assembly from your old cluster.
You could also take it to an odometer shop and have them change it, you could
try to find one that's close and just document the change.Q: Can I change the color of the bulbs? A: You can do anything you want. Toyota used green "condoms" on the illumination bulbs so in theory if you can find a replacement condom you can swap them in. You could also paint the bulbs but I've heard conflicting reports on the longevity of this. Q: What about Indiglo Gauges? A: I don't have any experience with this, but apparently there are a few companies out there that sell kits for Toys, and some are available on E-Bay, install info. for 2nd gen (90-95) 4runners: Here and Here Links: SR5 Gauge Swap Back to Tech |