Cruise control add on

My bus doesn't have cruise control. Would it be possible to grab all the components from an E350 w/ 7.3 IDI that came with factory cruise control and throw that into my bus?
Or is a factory 7.3 IDI cruise control non existent?

Charles Moore said:

My bus doesn't have cruise control. Would it be possible to grab all the components from an E350 w/ 7.3 IDI that came with factory cruise control and throw that into my bus?
Or is a factory 7.3 IDI cruise control non existent?

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More than likely yes. Options like that are on the harness, but the connectors aren't used.

Both my 6.9s have factory cruise.

Cubey said:

More than likely yes. Options like that are on the harness, but the connectors aren't used.

Both my 6.9s have factory cruise.

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Cool thanks. I suppose a factory 6.9 IDI cruise control would be the same.
I imagine I'd need the cruise control unit under the hood w/ related cables. Then how does the cruise control activate, is it on the same lever as the blinkers? Or a separate dash button?

It'd be nice to have the steering wheel controls like the newer E350's.

Provided the wiring is in place, you need a new horn pad that has the buttons, maybe a clock spring depending on your year of van (early ones had 2wiper contacts under the steering wheel, later used a clock spring). Then you need the electronic amplifier module that mounts under the dash, a cancel switch that mounts on the master cylinder or brake pedal arm (depending on year) and finally the servo module that mounts under the hood and connects to the injection pump level on the throttle bracket. If the wiring is there it’s basically plug and play.

Charles Moore said:

Cool thanks. I suppose a factory 6.9 IDI cruise control would be the same.
I imagine I'd need the cruise control unit under the hood w/ related cables. Then how does the cruise control activate, is it on the same lever as the blinkers? Or a separate dash button?

It'd be nice to have the steering wheel controls like the newer E350's.

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They are buttons on the steering pad on both my 85 E350 and 87 F250.

I had a 97 E150 where the buttons were there too. I don't think Ford has had the cruise anywhere else, except maybe back in the 70s and prior.

From the few 70's vehicles that I can remember, they were on the steering wheel too. It makes sense to put the there so that you don't have to move your hand(s) all over to try to find the cruise control buttons.

I've seen them on their own stalk, but those are aftermarket or possibly dealer installed as opposed to factory installed.

Correct, every Ford with Factory Cruise I've been around which goes back to 70's manufactured F-L-M vehicles it has been on the steering wheel.

GM's and Chrysler products were on the turn signal stalk, but I think all manufacturers (foreign and domestic) have now moved them to the steering wheel.

To add on an IDI, you will need what is listed above.

Also, a side note, on the newer Fords, if they are a "fly by wire" like the PSD's for example, cruise control is a function of the ECM/PCM. So on those, if you don't have cruise and want it, you replace the steering wheel (since most newer vehicles the cruise buttons are in the wheel, not the removable center, because of the air bag) with one that has cruise buttons, and now, ****, you have cruise.