The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop cruise control???????

As my 54/3100 nears completion?? i am thinking about putting cruise control on it. it is a stick shift, my mechanic was a little skeptical. thoughts on this. ron

I will have cruise control in my truck.
Right now I am leaning toward the one sold by Dakota Digital. Although I understand they relabel and sell one of the other popular aftermarket brands, so I'll probably get it from whoever really makes it, a little cheaper.

I want a cruise control system that needs no vacuum, because my truck doesn't suck, it's a diesel. I would also like to have the unit hidden under the dash, so my engine compartment looks simple and uncluttered.

Also has a manual, I figure I'll have the cruise control wired with a switch on the clutch, brake, and the neutral safety switch. That way if either peddle is pressed, or it's slipped in to neutral with out clutching, the cruise control kicks off.

I also figure I can make it work off of either engine speed or road speed, I have an electric sending unit in the trans for speedometer, and one that reads off the ring gear on the flywheel for the tach. Looks like I can have a switch between the two inputs going to the cruise control.

I am not yet convinced that the Dakota Digital is the best out there yet, so I'll do some more research before I buy one.

Anyone else considering or using aftermarket cruise control?

Grigg

Cruise controls for stick shift rigs are still
available..I put one on a 66 3/4T with no problem and it worked just fine..most shops these days only want to work on the high $$$ new stuff..a lot of them don't have a clue about our old iron...

isn't that what the throttle cables for???

No, that is not what the throttle cable is for.

Just a throttle cable does not react to the load, say a hill.
What is needed is a way to vary the throttle as the load changes to achieve a constant speed.
A "road speed governor" so to speak.

Grigg

It also helps to shut it down when your foot hits the brake. Otherwise be sure to take a roll of TP with you.

Grigg that is why the cable will slide when you depress the peddle. You will find a lot of objections on this sight for using the throttle cable for a cruse. I've used mine for that purpos for years. I think that is what they were designed for. (Objections will appear, SHORTLEY). I, however have more insite than the objectors to push the throttle in before breaking. People will say it,s for starting, but if you know how the "B" carb works it pulls the throttle open when the carb is choked, so I don't think it was for starting. One old time farmer told me once he used his throttle in low gear in the field so he could get out of the truck and throw hay on the trailer. OK objectors your turn.

I am not going to object, but I will say I was not satisfied with my throttle cable as a cruise control.

The real subject of this thread is what are the "real" cruise control options out there?
Let's forget about the throttle cable as an option for now and continue thinking aftermarket cruise controll....

Grigg

That Olde-Timey farmer is my new hero. I've heard a couple old guys talking about jacking up the rear, taking off one wheel, mounting a bare rim, and using the truck to drive old belt driven implements.

Sorry I'm off topic, but I just love people's creativity. Darwin awards, here we come.

You would need one that has a speedometer cable adapter on a torque tube application, as the type that uses driveline sensors wouldn't work.

i have all new gauges from tpi and the cruise unit i am looking at is from Ron Francis wiring and it will work. the original query was it safe to put cruise on a stick shift vehicle. ron BTW i have an open driveline with a t-5 trans.

I've been looking at an Audiovox CCS100 Universal unit for under a hundred bucks. Lot's of positive reviews for the vacuum controlled unit with a driveshaft sensor that you have to attach to that area. My setup makes good vacuum so I think I'll give it a shot. It's commonly used on a variety of bikes (That's scary) with an add-on vacuum can and if any of you have pros or cons I'd like to hear about them.

Obviously the Ron Francis units are a higher quality but for what they're asking for the Audiovox unit it's worth a try.

Dave

I didn't realize that you were asking if it was a good idea to put cruise control on a stick. I've had it on several stock stick shift cars and had no problems. The only difference with stick and automatic operations is that you have to reinitialize it when you shift unless you shift without using the clutch, then you might have trouble with it overreving in neutral while upshifting unless you accellerated beyond the set point in the lower gear.

My 96 1500 5 speed had factory cruise. Used it all the time even in town. Worked good even at 25 mph. Weeds

I've never owned anything but stick shift cars, and many of them had factory cruise. All you need is an extra switch for the clutch.

Thanks all. ron

Dave,
The guy I bought my Kawa from kept the Audiovox unit with him. He was going to put it in his car. He swore by it.
I have also seen one in a 1954 MG, at a car show, that had just completed a 10,000 mile road trip.
I think it's a basic, easily understood, piece of gear.
Go for it.

you know back when the Army Still used deuce it had a throttle and the army had a hard time convincing us it wasnt for cruise. seems it wokrs fine just be carefull as it dont disengage when you hit the brakes.