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Old Dodge speedometer problem


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terryschimm
Novice

Dec 6, 2008, 7:51 PM

Post #1 of 5 (2189 views)
Old Dodge speedometer problem Sign In

I just bought a 1979 Dodge Adventurer pickup. For some reason, the speedometer is 10 mph off. When it reads 55, is actually going 45, etc. Can anyone help?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 6, 2008, 8:09 PM

Post #2 of 5 (2185 views)
Re: Old Dodge speedometer problem Sign In

First - are the tires way too small for the vehicle?

It's possible that a trans or differential was changed and ratio for speedo doesn't match. If that's it - find a good old timer trans person and ask where to get the right gears for this drivetrain for speedo. I only recall some GM trucks had a thing right at trans that adapted speedo cable speed to match drivetrain but not for MoPars....dunno what they did,

T



terryschimm
Novice

Dec 6, 2008, 8:17 PM

Post #3 of 5 (2181 views)
Re: Old Dodge speedometer problem Sign In

Yes, the tires do appear to be too small, but it's been so long since I had one like this, I wasn't sure. As for trans/differential replacement, I tend to believe they are original, due to the overall excellent condition of the truck & only 68K miles.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 6, 2008, 8:35 PM

Post #4 of 5 (2178 views)
Re: Old Dodge speedometer problem Sign In

Sounds like a neat truck. Tires alone could easily do that much difference. Basically you are seeing 20% or about - right?

Quite litterally if you measured how far one rotation went in distance from a large and a small tire you'd be shocked.

Even back then they used to put a decal of suggested tires on door jams or perhaps inside glovebox with tire pressure suggestions.

I'll take a wild guess if this is a 1/2 ton rated truck that something close to 235-75R-15 was the common tire for it. If you see 215-70R -15 or so that would account for most of the speed difference.

Smaller will read faster and larger slower that OE at dash,

T



terryschimm
Novice

Dec 6, 2008, 8:51 PM

Post #5 of 5 (2175 views)
Re: Old Dodge speedometer problem Sign In

That makes perfect sense to me. As I recall, the Dodge I used to have seemed like it had huge tires & I know those were factory. I'm betting this problem is solved. Thank you very much! By the way, yes, it is a neat truck. I thought the guy was crazy to sell it for $800. Good running 318, no rust...couldn't pass it up.






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