What is required to convert to cruise control?

[RSchwarzli]

Looking at picking up a Ramcharger parts truck. It's a 89 LE. It's has cruise control.



What would be involved with putting it onto the 90? Are the gas parts the same as the diesel trucks? Do I need to add any wiring? Do I need a computer change?



Thanks!



Robert

 

[PToombs]

My 92 has the plug under the hood for the cruise actuator, but nothing in the cab. I haven't looked close enough to see if the wires are there in the cab to engine bay plug on the outside. I do know that the gassers use a different end on the cable, diesels have a slider on the end like a TV cable, and the gassers have a plastic end that clips over a rivet. I have an LE tilt wheel, but the clock spring is toast so I think I'm putting a couple switches in the dash to activate it. I just hope the PCM will run the cruise.

 

[RSchwarzli]

Lol. That's the key! I hope the PCM runs it. I have the switch now from the gasser, jut hope it works!

Keep me up to date on how you make out!

 

[SRay]

The easiest way would be the caveman's way, get a stick that's cut to length, and prop against the throttle pedal and seat.



:WARNING!: using the stick will smoke the brakes, possibly bust u-joints, and push cars in the ditch if you forget in emergency.



Shawn

 

[RSchwarzli]

Thank you for the wonderful addition to the thread!



Smartbutts... ... always one in every crowd.





Random info: If you look at the owners manual for the 1989 trucks it says that is not recommended. Seems the engineers must have predicted people would do that with the manual high idle handles.

 

[jclark5810]

Any updates on the cuise control? I'm looking at doing this to the 93', just trying to find out what's in order for the conversion. Thanks!!

 

[DVolk]

I wish my dad was here to confirm my answer he installed aftermarket ones , But as long as the cruise is hooked into your speedometer reading it should work fine then renember it has to be hood up to the brake switch to de activate it includeing the throttel , the biggest thing is finding a good cruise that wont pulsate of which is the reason i un hooked the one in my 92 , it pulsate and play hell even with it not swiched on , so i un plugged it

 

[jclark5810]

Thanks for the info Donovan, was yours a factory unit? Where would i even go about finding one if not through Dodge?

 

[RSchwarzli]

So far I understand I need different steering wheel (with controls), wiring is on column already, cc vacuum piece itself (that moves the pedals), and thats as far as I have been able to confirm.

 

[SRay]

Bshwarzli: you're correct. Just a few things. They're not hard to install according to my mechanic friend.

Unless you all want to try the earlier post stating to use the stick instead?

Shawn

 

[jclark5810]

So it looks like i need to find a parts truck somewhere or a junkyard, i doubt i'll have any luck with the dealer. How about one of those universal kits? I'm driving cross country this summer and am not concerned too much with looks, if it's that bad I'll take it off as i won't need it once we get there.

 

[DVolk]

In my 92 it is a factory unit . A person might check JC Whitney they used to sell aftermarket cruise controll kits . My dad installed ones made from ARA , they made aftermarket AC kits . Aperson might check some radaitor shops that has been around a long time they might have a few kits sitting on the self .

Robert , you should not have to change your peddals or the steering wheel unless you want the factory look , i never noticed a vaccumeline hooked to my brake pedal i think there electric activated etc as my was my burbs one of which i got that complete wiring harness.

 

[RSchwarzli]

So it looks like i need to find a parts truck somewhere or a junkyard, i doubt i'll have any luck with the dealer. How about one of those universal kits? I'm driving cross country this summer and am not concerned too much with looks, if it's that bad I'll take it off as i won't need it once we get there.

Yes, that will be the best.



I did the cross country drive a year ago with mine. CC would have been nice at times. Would do it again without it though! I love my old goat!

 

[HHhuntitall]

Hmmm, that's a tough one. I think you can make it work, though. The only difference I can think of is the actuator on the diesel is different, IIRC..... But the diesel one should plug in... not that the gas one won't work, either. Another problem you may run into, is the ECM may not support cruise on the '90. Going to the gasser ECM and I think you lose your grid heaters... ... I'd have to have a manual and look at the wire loom to make sure the plug in's are the same. The diesel wire looms change mid '91, and again in '92, IIRC. You'll just have to try it, and if the ECM won't support it, find one that will... ...

Thank you for the wonderful addition to the thread!



Smartbutts... ... always one in every crowd.

ONE?!?! Please!!! I alone count for at least 1 1/2... .....

Random info: If you look at the owners manual for the 1989 trucks it says that is not recommended. Seems the engineers must have predicted people would do that with the manual high idle handles.

Yeah, those guys could at least think and think ahead... ... too bad they all either retired or shot themselves after having to work with the guys in charge today... ...