Re: XJ Gauge swap question ... Got it figured out ...
Hi Folks:
Thanks for your responses. Here is what I found out:
The Tachometer, Fuel level gauge and voltmeter are the same from '87 thru 96 XJs.
The speedometer is the same for 84-86 (cable), or 87-90 (different cable, but interchangeable with 84-86 speedometer), or 91-96 (no cable).
The Temp. and Oil Pressure gauges are the same for 87-91, or 92-96.
So ... you can see that '91 is a "transitional" year. That is, it has the temp and oil pressure gauges from 87-91. But ... it has the electronic speedometer with no cable like the 91-96.
All the temperature and Oil pressure senders for 92-96 XJs are the same.
All the temperature and oil pressure senders for 87-91 are also the same, and are not compatible with the 92-96 years. The 87-91 senders are electrically "opposite," in terms of their resistance curve.
If you have an 87-90 XJ, you can replace your gauges with any cluster from an 87-90 jeep and order the senders for your vehicle year with no problem.
If you have a 92-96 XJ, you can replace the cluster with any 92-96 cluster, and order the senders for your vehicle year with no problem. Or ... you can get a cluster from a '91 XJ and order the 87-91 oil pressure and temp senders. If you use the 87-91 senders on a 92-96 XJ, you'll need to splice new contact wire ends onto your wiring harness.
If you have a '91 XJ, you can replace the cluster from another '91 XJ, and order the senders for a '91, Or you can get a replacement cluster from a 92-96, and order the 92-96 senders. If you use the 92-96 senders on a '91 XJ, you'll have to splice new contact wires into your wire harness.
So ... swapping out a cluster for a 91 XJ is the most difficult year, but it's still doable.
Hope this helps someone when they do a search in the future.