I just purchased a 700R4 for my street rod project. The 700R4 I have has a mechanical speedo cable attachment in the tailshaft. I will be using an electronic speedo, you know the kind that recalibrates with the touch of a button. I will also be installing a GM electronic cruise control unit. On my 90 Chevy truck which I am using as a source of information, it has an electronic speedo. The tailshaf housing contains an electronic sensor rather than a gear unit that uses a cable. I am assuming that the gear that is on the transmission tailshaft wil have to be removed to use this electronic sensor...am I correct?

I can get the various parts I need, including the cruise from a slavage yard. Do I also need to get something from the trans for the electronic speed sending unit?

I will be looking for a cruise control unit that is the same as my 90 Chevy truck. It has worked flawlessy since new and is a very simple unit.

Also, does anyone know of a web site that has wiring diagrams for like a 90 Chevy truck cruise control?

Thank in advance
Vince

This is an interesting "mix and match". I do know the easiest thing to use the electronic pick up vice the gear is to swap the tail housing. I have done this, but to go the opposite direction. Can't remember why this was easier, but just know I tend to do what is quickest and easiest. With senior moments ocurring more frequently every day, it seems I either changed the output shafts or had to swap the electronic generator ring and gear ring.

Trees

I used a kit from the co. I got my digital black out gages from, don`t remember what all was in it but it works great. Installed them on a 4 speed Muncie, but they should be the same.

HTH
Good Luck
Troy

The electronic speedo is aftermarket right? It should come with all the necessary senders.
Since you are going to be using the cruise control from a '90's chevy truck you should order the speedo for that year truck and just use either the stock or supplied sender, whichever they require.
To swap from a mechanical speedo to electronic just swap out the plastic gear on the tailshaft with the tone ring for the sender, then install the sender into the tail housing.

Thanks for all the info. I just rerceived a VDO catalog and they have a sensor for their electronic speedometer that screws onto the the existing cable unit on the tailhousing. I was also looking at the wiring diagram for my wifes Tahoe for which I have manuals, and the speed signal for the cruise comes from the VCM (vehicle control module). I may just have to go with an aftermarket cruise.

Vince

Hi, dio you still have the mechanical parts that go in the tranny at the side rear? I have a 700r4 that I need to have the mechanical speedo guts. It is going in my 56 210.

Thanks

Sorry, but the VDO unit is added to the existing mechanical hardware.

Vince

Vince, when you buy the "street rod package" gauge kit it comes with all of the senders that you need including the speedo sender. Vdo is the only kind that I have used and I love them, when you get it set up find a measured mile and follow the instructions to set your speedo. The one in the 36 has never been off based on those radar things the police set on the side of the highway.

Do you still have thye mechanical speedo set up? I am in need of one.

Thanks.

Jack

My advice would be to call Auto Meter. They will refer you to a guy that is in Ohio (I think that is where he is located) that makes a sending unit that is $45. It connects to the drive shaft and works very well with the electric speedos.

AutoMeter has a sending unit in their catalog for their electronic speedo, one for GM and one for Ford, Chrysler. It piggy backs onto the existing mechanical speedo sender in the trans. I personally would not use a sending unit that operated off the driveshaft like a cheapo cruise control, if that is what you mean.

Vince