j.fonder

anyone ever install/try to install an aftermarket speedo with an a518 auto trans? i bought a summit digital speedo for this '03 1500 swap i'm doing and just wondering if the signal from the factory unit in the trans will work with the speedo or if i'll need an aftermarket sending unit as well.

any and all info/opinions/advice is welcome.

j_martin

How about a GPS speedometer like we use in boats.

j.fonder

yes, they make a GPS sending unit for this speedo, but i'm hoping to not have to purchase one (see. poor old sailor)

Philip

Justin doesn't that year use the ABS sensor on the rear axle?

j.fonder

Not certain, but I know the a518 uses the 2 pin connector on the trans. If so, I guess I have 2 possible sources for a speedo signal?

MrFusion

There is a company that rebuilds the speedometer ratio adapter that is attached to the transfer case or transmission. I think they are in Alabama but can't remember their name off the top of my head. You could probably get them to build you a mechanical ratio adapter and run a cable. There is also a company in CA called A1 speedometer that may be able to do it as well.

Philip

Justin somewhere around 98 I know the diesel trucks went to the ABS sensors in the rear axle for speedo. I would bet gassers went the same way at that time. Dodge wouldn't want to waste money on two setups. Bean counters wouldn't let that happen.

j.fonder

I think you missed the part where I mentioned that I'm using an aftermarket speedo and an A518. Therefore, if the truck does use the abs sensor, I would have that signal and/or the signal from the a518 to go to my aftermarket speedo.

Philip

No I didn't miss what your using. If it can be made to work off the 518 setup. Most likely it can work off the ABS sensor to. Try the original first. If it doesn't work. Then go threw the other setup.

j.fonder

Ah, ok, sorry. Thought you were thinking I was using the stock speedo in which case I'd just use the abs sensor. Was really just curious if anyone has used an aftermarket speedo with the a518

Philip

A make and model of the speedo will help us. There are many after market models out there.

j.fonder

again, not trying to be a smart-A here, as i do appreciate the help. but it was in the original post, lol. but just to clarify. it's the Summit Digital speedo. i bought these gauges for speedo/oil/water/volt/fuel level as they were cheap and had decent reviews. heres a link

Summit Racing® LED Digital Speedometers SUM-G2981-2W - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

jimbo486

Reading the instructions that come with it (or should), it sounds to me like it's a self-calibrating unit. Initially set-up for 8000 pulses per mile, an industry standard. Following the instructions, connect it to your speed sensor and other necessary electrical contacts, cycle through the settings in the gauge itself, drive a standing mile and stop. What speed you travel is irrelevant. It will apparently calculate the pulses for you and therefore, calibrate the speedo.

http://static.summitracing.com/globa...um-g2981-2.pdf

j.fonder

thank you for breaking it down for my feeble brain to process. i just wasn't sure if the signal coming from the trans was correct for the speedo. but sounds as if it should be adequate, especially if i can calibrate to my specific signal with the whole standing mile thing. i didn't even know about the 0-60 and 1/4 mile options when i bought the thing. pretty neat, even though this thing will be far from a race vehicle, lol.

Philip

Justin there was no link in your first post. When you go to summit and put in summit speedo. It only comes up with about 10 or more universal style speedo's. That's why I asked. So I was on the same page with what you had.

The rear axle sensor is a 8K pulse on that truck. So you have options of using whichever is the easiest to wire in.

I assume your doing away with anything dealing with PCM control.