I have '82 Dodge van (4x4) w/727 tranny, the speedometer cable is broken. The cable snapped at the connector, where it connects to the 203 transfer case. Can I just fix it by welding it? I have a 110v 125A mig-welder. I remember searching all over junk yards to find a replacement..no success.

One solution is just to get an electronic speedometer gauge package. Anyone know of any?

I found an Autometer 3989:

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugede...id=2807&sid=15

sending unit here

 

IF you go that route you will also need a sender since the existing is a mechanical, not electrical connection. I lost one cable to rust through after the plastic covering was melted off by laying on the exaust (a gift from the previous owner). I was fortunate to find one in a yard though. Im not sure how different the 4wd is from the 2wd cable, but try looking from 79 to 87 for a replacement.

Id suggest a gague that has a more realistic range. Fastest Ive ever been in my '83 was about 90 and that was on a long downhill with a tail wind. At that speed the spedo cable was jumping arround so much that the head was unreadable (20mph swings) untill it pinned above 85. I figured the speed by using the highway markers and a stopwatch.

 

I just ended up going to N. Hollywood speedometer:

http://www.nhspeedometer.com

..they made me cable while I waited. $55 for 10 ft.