Speedometer is off, at best

[Momboy007]

Hello All,
I am brand new here and have lots of questions about my 1987 Ranger, the biggest problem with the trauck right now is the speedometer does not work very well, at about 50 MPH, the speedometer is bobbing back and forth between 20 and 40. Is it a mechanical speedometer or a electrical speedometer?
Any help about where to start would be greatly appreciated

Rick

[blueranger789]

best bet with that year is that it is mechanicl, maybe the gears have stripped a little and they cant handle the speed

[Superlifted06FX4]

Either that or the cable is binding up.

[94Woodhauler]

My son came back for a visit from college and told me the speedo on our 94 quit.
I looked under and found that the bracket had rusted off where it hooks on the transmission tailshaft housing. It is now held on with a combination of 6 or 7 zip ties.
It has been that way now for 3 years. Works great. The 2 alternators that locked up from corrosion, idler pulley, brake lines, fuel lines, thermostat housing, and spring hangers that I have had to change because of rust were harder to fix.
It has 88000 miles on it. I bought it at an auction for $1400 7 years ago.
Strangely, no rust on the body.