You will only need a few tools...
You will only need a few tools and electrical connectors to install a tachometer. We opted for an Autogage Plus chrome tach (PN 2301P) from Auto Meter because its a dependable yet affordable tachometer. The chromed plastic case matches the trim in our early Ford interior, while the large needle and through-the-dial illuminated face make visibility easy.
Its best to mount the...
Its best to mount the tachometer before making the electrical connections. The Autogage tach came with a plastic mount that can be screwed to a flat surface or clamped to a steering column. We dont like drilling holes unless its absolutely necessary, so we used a hose clamp to attach the mount to the column. The ends of the mount can be trimmed, and the hose clamp can be painted for a cleaner appearance.
The electrical connections...
The electrical connections are easy, and the tach should come with sufficient instructions to help you with this. Clean the top of the ignition coil so you can clearly read or DIST on the terminal that the tach lead attaches to. Use a grommet to insulate the hole in the firewall where the wires pass through to keep the metal from chafing them, which can lead to an electrical short. A good ground is often overlooked when installing electric accessories and is very important.
We used a piece of conduit...
We used a piece of conduit to cover the wires leading from the tach under the dash. Notice that the tach is mounted slightly to the side, so its still visible through the steering wheel, but it doesnt block any of the factory gauges.
Adding a tachometer to your truck gives you a slew of information about whats going on with your rig and is easier than most people think. A tach reports engine speed and can help you make shifting decisions, set the idle, or tell if your truck is losing traction.
Its more difficult to choose a tach than it is to install one. There are a few different sizes, many different faces, and varying scales. Consider where the tach will mount to decide how much space you have. Then choose one that fits the space allotted. It should be easy to read and have a scale that matches your engines operating range. A 10,000-rpm tachometer might look cool, but it wont be very functional if your engine never goes above 3,500. Adding a tachometer is an inexpensive, worthwhile upgrade for any type of truck.