Riddle me this - three newb questions

[Snallygaster]

Hi guys, newb here with a couple of newb questions. I hesitate to ask, but a forum search didn't return the results I was looking for...

Question 1: I just picked my truck up on Sunday and I am ordering parts for a "tune up" (plugs, wires, fluids, filters) and was surprised to see two different plug wire part numbers for the 1996 460. Researching further, it appears that the correct wire type is dependent on wether my truck is EEC III or EEC IV. I'm unsure of how to determine this without looking at the ECU itself. Is there a simple way (VIN letter, etc.) to identify which ECU is in my truck?

Question 2: My truck is a 1996 F250 XLT, 460, 4x2, Auto, 3:55 axle. I don't have a tachometer and I find this strange in an HD rig built for towing. I guess I'm concerned that the gauges may have been switched. I can see other (blacked out) "dummy" lights for things my truck doesn't have (like 4WD Lo). I suppose Ford may have used one or two gauge panels in all of its trucks, but I thought I'd ask if a tach-less XLT was unusual?

Question 3: Does anyone know which sensor is the temp sensor for the gauge? Is it the near one or the far one? I think mine is dead...the gauge is either completely cold (doesn't move at all 90% of the time) or occasionally jumps straight up to the normal range, depending on the truck's mood.

Thanks in advance, gentlemen!

 

[Snallygaster]

How about just question #2? Any idea on the gauges?

 

[SuperCab]

Welcome to the site... I'm sure all your questions will get answered as people see them - summer can be a slow time on forums.

If I recall correctly, a tachometer was not that common on the Gen9 Fords... Wouldn't be surprised if yours never had one. Could be wrong though. Also, I'd say your truck wasn't exactly "built for towing" since it has 3.55 gears...

The temp sensor for the gauge IIRC is the one wire one, and the one for the ECM is the 2 wire one. Again, I've never actually had one of these so I'm just going from memory of other peoples trucks...

As far as telling if it's a III or IV, I have no clue. Sorry.

And don't hesitate to ask if you can't find it in a search. We're not the kind that will jump all over you and say "USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION FIRST!!!"
I've been on forums like that...

 

[primetime]

I don`t know how to tell the difference between EEC III or IV, but if I had to guess I`d say it probably has to do with whether or not the ECU has data stream capability or not, and some other sensors. Your truck has that. I say you will be fine with EEC IV wires.

Tach clusters were optional. I`ve seen plenty of XLTs that didn`t have them.

One wire sensor is the temp gauge sensor.

 

[duh66]

on question 2 no its not unusual for them not to have a tach its pretty common for those years in fact im preety sure none of the auto trans came with them guess they figured the average person didnt need it since it came with an aod so why spend the xtra money

 

[Lost]

#2 No not common was like a $40 option and dont see many . Its a easy swap . Do search or look at first couple pages in the forum we just discussed at length the differences and install .

But if buy a cluster you need to get 96 97 HD I bet . they r grouped and do not interchange .
92-93 /94/95/ 96 97 HD are how they work . its because of gauge electronic changes . To be sure pull cluster and check part number on back . let us know . The F4 ***** or FT5**** number is year that will work

The light for 4x4 is in dash under cluster (three little boxes in black surround each side ) should be the right most one on right . Bulb is probably bad .

Yep with 3:55 rears not the best tow ride.
are the To be sure would have to look