Sometimes it just doesn't work and then will just jump up to where it should be at that current time. The car runs fine through all of this, my guess is some belt isn't catching and then is? Is this way off I don't know much at all about cars but am a very mechanical person and pick up on stuff real quick.

98 Disc LE 67k

 

You need a new alternator.
There is only one belt, it runs everything.
It is very easy to replace the ALT, go to AutoZone (or your favorite parts store) and buy a lifetime warrenty ALT, when it come in you can replace it in under a hour with basic tools and skill.
The tach runs off the alternator and when they start to go bad your tach starts acting funny. When if fails completly the tach wont work at all.

 

Spike is correct, your alternator drives the tack and when failing the signal from the alternator to the tach fails.

 

Obviously I trust what you say, I have read a lot of post responses you have typed and you seem to know your sh*t. I'll add this as of 2 days ago the tach hasn't worked, but I have had no problem using the car. You are basically telling me that I will be stranded somewhere in the near future if I don't take care of this ASAP. I would have much rather heard that the tach was just broken, but I really appreciate you answering my questions on here. Thanks

 

You didnt say in your post that it stopped working two days ago.
You will beable to drive it until the battery goes dead, then you will be stranded.
If you have a battery charger you can charge it while you are at home and still drive it until your new alternator comes in.
You need a new alternator. You will be stranded somewhere is you dont replace it ASAP.

 

I know I didn't say it in the firstpost, guess I was just hoping it would flip up today when I started the car up but no go. I guess I will go to Advance Auto now, please, please till me its under $150. I can put it in myself I think.

Follow up on the tach, is it basically just unscrewing the old one putting the new one in and connecting wires and a belt back on.

 

Yes.
Make sure that you dis-connect the battery first, then loosen the belt, unbolt the alternator and then the wires. Make sure that you take note of which way the belt goes around everything, it is very easy to put it on wrong but it still looks right. If it is on wrong it wont charge your battery.
On my '97 I swapped out my alternator in 30 min.

 

http://www.roverparts.com/TechTips/s...g_defender.cfm

 

check the back of the alt first, make sure the little black wire isnt loose before you condemn a part