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EFI VSS speed sensor which one to get

Gas Pig

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Oct 19, 2005
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Ok, which speed sensor can I use on the Bronco's D20. I know you can buy one from B.C. Broncos. But I would be shocked that it's not from another Ford car or truck that I could buy cheeper somewhere else.
 

Viperwolf1

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You may not even need the speed sensor. I would try it without first.
 

66fora69er

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I have a HO 5.0, C4 no VSS. No issues. like Viper said. try it w/o 1st
 

66fora69er

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Bronco-billy, I think you and I traded some PM's about this a year or so ago. Thanks for all the help getting my EFI running right. I will say this, when mine is cold, I let it start and then let it idle down. when I put it in gear (cold) there is sometimes a small stumble that goes away as quick as the computer notices it. after its warm it never happens
 
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Gas Pig

Gas Pig

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how about the speedo cable?

I read somewhere you don't always need one but I think the article mentioned that regarding a auto over a man trans. I going to run a 3 speed with an O/D. So, I'm not sure that exception will apply to me. But as Viper said I could try with out first. I guess it's easy enough add it later. But it's good to that it's not a special order thing.

How about the speedo cable, is there any other Ford vehicle speedo that will work with the VSS and the Bronco's cluster???

Thanks again, Jeff
 

Viperwolf1

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You can use the stock speedo cable with the VSS. Just need to dill out the VSS hole slightly.
 
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Gas Pig

Gas Pig

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You can use the stock speedo cable with the VSS. Just need to dill out the VSS hole slightly.

Hey that's good to know! It was looking like the EFI swap was going to get way out of hand. So, every penny I can save keeps me in good standing with the wife!;D

Thanks again, Jeff
 

ransil

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You can use the stock speedo cable with the VSS. Just need to dill out the VSS hole slightly.

it just fits like crap, but works..

I think some of the late 80 fords had a VSS / speedo cable I pulled one from a Bronco awhile back just need to see if it fits.
 
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Gas Pig

Gas Pig

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it just fits like crap, but works..

I think some of the late 80 fords had a VSS / speedo cable I pulled one from a Bronco awhile back just need to see if it fits.

Well, if you could please check it out. I need to go to the pick a part sometime with in the next couple of weeks. I could look for one if it fits or if not I'll use the stock like viper mentioned.

Thanks again, Jeff
 

Steve83

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This is what's in Frank's: the VSS & speedo cable from an '88 standard-cab F150 with 5.0l & AOD (the cab & trans configuration affects the lenght of the speedo cable) with the original '75 driven gear.



The only thing the EEC uses the VSS for is return-to-idle delay, and shifting electronic automatics (AODE, E4OD, 4R70W...). So it won't particularly help anything. I ran my '83 with no VSS for a couple of years after swapping in the '95 engine, and didn't notice any problems.

But on Frank's, I intend to do away with the speedo cable & install an all-electric speedo (someday). Probably a 120 or 140mph head from a '95-98 CV/GM/TC, depending on how well they fit into an eB cluster.

 

ransil

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here is the pics of the late 80's bronco VSS.
its pretty much the same as the others I have used with the plug in them instead of the cable.

pictured are the VSS's cable and the bronco cable.

maybe I'm using the wrong ones but everyone says drill it out , it fits like shit when you do that, the big barrel on the EB cable hits the connector and you need to zip tie the cable to the vss, but I guess that what is called "it works" not my idea of quality work or good fit.
 

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Gas Pig

Gas Pig

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here is the pics of the late 80's bronco VSS.
its pretty much the same as the others I have used with the plug in them instead of the cable.

pictured are the VSS's cable and the bronco cable.

maybe I'm using the wrong ones but everyone says drill it out , it fits like shit when you do that, the big barrel on the EB cable hits the connector and you need to zip tie the cable to the vss, but I guess that what is called "it works" not my idea of quality work or good fit.

I agree. I don't see how that could ever work using the original stock Bronco cable. If I need to use one or not (hopefully not) I'll just have to wait until I get her running again.

I would like to here from other EFI guys who have done this before. What they have used or how they did it?

I will keep my eyes open and the pick a part for a late 80's F-150 just as Steve has suggested. It seem like a much better solution then the old EB cable with VSS.

Thanks to all for the great pictures! Jeff
 

dnewman9

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Aug 12, 2003
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I agree. I don't see how that could ever work using the original stock Bronco cable. If I need to use one or not (hopefully not) I'll just have to wait until I get her running again.

I would like to here from other EFI guys who have done this before. What they have used or how they did it?

I will keep my eyes open and the pick a part for a late 80's F-150 just as Steve has suggested. It seem like a much better solution then the old EB cable with VSS.

Thanks to all for the great pictures! Jeff

In the first picture 2 above; the first is obviously the VSS, the second is the big end EB Cable the third is the EFI cable. I purchased a custom length one here http://www.transmissioncenter.org/speedometer_cable.htm

Look at item 7200. I then bought new and used (mainly because I was troubleshooting a VSS issue) and popped the small plastic plug out and clipped it in.

I also bought the VSS adapter for the back of the speedometer. This uses the factory Bronco cable and goes Cable->VSS Adapter->Speedometer. It just depends on where you want to spend your money. Most "vintage" Bronco cables have been "sprung" which causes the 5 MPH to 50 MPH fluctuation that forces you to interpret your true speed. I never used that one though due to space constraints for my custom dash. It should have worked equally as well assuming a healthy speedometer cable.

I see no way to use the factory cable in a VSS and have it fit like factory, unless using the adapter between the speedometer and cable. Everything else is "jerry rigged" IMHO.

FWIW, there is a (+) side and a (-) side, since I built most of my EFI harness I did not see a junction that grounded my ECU (-) to chassis ground. That was for my 4.6 though. (Just a tip for those who are doing the same)

Hope that helps?
Dennis
 

Steve83

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Frank's has worked fine for the speedo, the EEC, & the cruise control consistently since it was installed. The only "repair" it needed was some PTFE grease in the sheath to cure a little needle bounce.

 
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