Did you replace the plastic gear when you swapped your VSS? Or did you reuse your gear?

Yes sir, I even changed out 2 just to be absolutely sure.

maybe something wrong with the circuit on that sensor??? like a short or something? or perhaps the sensor was bad out of the box?

Did you use a OEM or Parts store VSS? Maybe your cluster its self is bad.

I tried a used one out of a working car, and a new OEM replacement. If a true OEM one from the dealership will make a difference I'll order it from them. I switched the cluster with 2 other working clusters and it still did the same thing. I'm just stumped because the ECU is getting the signal...

If you are getting readings through a scan tool, then your problem is not with the sensor. The lagging on the scanner could just be due to a low sample rate on your particular tool. If you have changed out the sensors and the cluster, and your ecu is seeing signals, it leads me to believe that you have a wiring problem in the dash. First, I would check the harness connectors that are in the dash. If the plastic that holds them in place is cracked or broken, it could keep the cluster from plugging in all the way. Next would be to check resistance on any of the ground circuits. If you don't find anything wrong there, it's time to check the signal wires for resistance between the ecu and instrument cluster connectors.

Good luck!

Tach and ECU both get tach signal from the Power Transistor pin 4 white wire. Perhaps yours to the tach is broken.

You know I thought for a split second in all my frustration that maybe those connectors behind the cluster itself were the issue...I guess I should have checked. Thanks for clarifying the situation with the signal on my scanner. I would have got another ECU. Paranoid I guess!

Thanks for all the information! I'll be checking on everything in the morning when I'm banging my head against the dash....