Vehicle Speed Sensor

[ForingaMex]

Hello Everyone,
I am gathering everything I need to install Cruise Control on my 72 F100. When I got the main cruise system from the Junkyard, I did not get the VSS that is located on the Speedo cable just outside of the firewall because I intend to use the later style that attaches to the transmission. (Between the speedo cable and the trans) The problem is that the way I have my exhaust it comes to close to the cable and would burn it. I just installed a rear end out of a 1990 F150 in my truck that has a VSS on the axle. So here is my question. Can I use that VSS for my cruise control? I'm not very familiar with the finer points of electricity, e.g. ohms, amperes, pulses, etc. but I know some of you guys are experts in the field.
Any information you can give me will be much appreciated.
Thanks Jake

[knightfire83]

That particular sensor is a speed sensor but is for the ABS system. You would have to compare the pulses per revolution to the output of the correct vss for the cruise control system you are installing.

Personally, I'd go pull the entire speedo cable and sensor from the vehicle you got the rest of the parts from and make a custom cable to fit your truck, leaving the vss sensor just outside the firewall.

I can see if I can pull up more info on the internet for you, what vehicle is all your cruise control parts from?

[ForingaMex]

Thanks for the reply knightfire83,
I know I read something somewhere about the fact that the CC uses electrical pulses. Im just not sure how many per mile but its probably a lot less than what the sensor in the rear end would give. It has a ringgear that triggers the sensor in the rear end and I didn't count the teeth on it but I'm guessing there are about 80-100. That would mean about 80-100 pulses for every turn of the rear wheels. Is that correct?
The Cruise Control that I have came out of an early to mid 80s Ford Econoline Van.
If you find any more info, that would be great.
Thanks again,
Jake

[knightfire83]

While searching the net I found some info that may be of use to you,
This pertains to '85-'86 Ford Econoline vans:

Cruise control wiring:

Constant 12V+ Yellow
Switched 12V+ Red/Light Green
Ground Use Chassis
Brake Green
Tach Dark Green/Yellow

VSS Wire Gray/Black / Pulses Per Mile 8000 PPM

Some ford applications require a vacuum switch that is mounted on the brake pedal assembly to disengage the cruise control, but I think that was in the 70's- early 80's.

After searching for a while, I did find that Ford's first location of that sensor was on the speedo cable, second was the transmission then in the mid 90's they moved that sensor to the rear differential. They all provided 8000 ppm, it seems to be a Ford standard, so if the information I read is correct the sensor in the rear end should work with your cruise control system.

Allot of people are trying to tap that signal to run aftermarket gauges on their computer controlled vehicles. After they reach 25 mph the signal loses it's integrity trying to supply both the computer and their aftermarket gauge. However if you are just going to run the cruise control off of it you should be ok.

[ForingaMex]

Thanks a lot knightfire83,
I really appreciate that info. I have some other things to take care of first before I start on the Cruise control. When I do I'll know who to ask if I have any other questions.
Jake

[Wes]

you could use the abs sensor in the rear axle, all the the cc system wants is an ac voltage vss signal, which the abs gives. You would just need to know what frequency the cc module is looking for.

[ForingaMex]

Thanks Wes but your shooting over my head. How do I know what 'what frequency the cc is looking for'? Is it different in other years or is it adjustable?
Thanks again, Jake

[Wes]

Now that I think about it more, the CC module may not care, just try to maintain the signal at the same speed when triggered. I would try to find a spec sheet and or an installers guide from the manufacturer Google the make and model.

[ForingaMex]

Thanks again, I'll try to keep you posted when I make progress on the CC project.
Jake