76' J20 Speedometer Cable Help

[Alleycat]

So I have exhausted my efforts trying to determine the correct speedometer cable for this truck. I have come across plenty of conflicting info on this cable and with rare exception I get burned (bad fit) when ordering parts online. Pretty much all of the cables I have found show that they are about 38" and I know darn well that the current cable going from the transfer case to the speedometer has got to be longer than that. BJ's site doesn't state how long their offering is and TGW doesn't even offer one. My truck does not have cruise control which appears to affect the length of cable needed. Does anybody have any insight into this? Original part number? Thanks

[Srdayflyer]

contact Dick's speedo Tach in phoenix if you have the old one whats the length it sounds as if you don't. Dicks fabricates cables to spec or custom length's both speedo and tach cables, just and idea

[tgreese]

Jeeps are an oddball brand, and the online listings of all sorts of parts are chock-full of errors. There are mistakes in application both by model (ie sp. for a J20), by equipment, and by year. Retailers are just copying the info that the suppliers provide, and there is little motivation for the suppliers to get it right. Listed coverage is usually optimisitc, often wildly so.

You should buy the factory parts book for '74-80. Available at nominal cost at RockAuto. The original part number may help you, and often the book will specify the length along with the listing. Note this is just to disambiguate the listing - so the parts counter can order the right part - not because Jeep is trying to make the listings easy or informative for you.

If you get the part number, that's no guarantee that the part will be available. However, if it is available, and the supplier has provided the factory PN, that's the most likely way to get the right part.

As suggested above, there are businesses that cater to the classic car market. Look in Hemming's or search online. Likely you will get what you need, but their low volume and custom product means it won't be cheap.

[tgreese]

Also, if you have the old cable, typically you can reuse the sheath and replace the core from a universal package. You cut it to length. Usual failure is a broken core.

[Alleycat]

Thanks for the help. Speedo needle bounces around on gauge pretty good starting at about 45mph. I like the idea of using the old sheath. It's actually in pretty good shape.

[tgreese]

The core is a long coil spring, and the needle bouncing usually means the core is catching on the inside of the sheath, winding up, and then releasing.

I would get some cheap carb cleaner spray and clean the core and the sheath. I'd remove the cable and pull out the core. Flood the inside of the sheath with the spray cleaner to get rid of any old gummy lubrication and run the core in and out a few times with some cleaner in there. Then I'd put the cleaned core back with some new lube and make sure the cable is installed with broad, easy bends as much as possible.

Your local parts store can get a kit like this if they don't stock it: https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-10104-TEC ... 000COB422/ - but first I'd clean the existing core.

[Alleycat]

Great plan - thanks!

[letank]

when it first happened 20 years ago or so, white grease did the trick! Sure on cold day -freezing temp- it may bounce for a little while...
Cheers to your dedication

[candymancan]

Id lube the cable first.. get some graphite lube.. or what i did which was 3 n 1 oil

Mine ob my 90 bouncing up and down at low speeds until i lubricated it