2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 01 Cracked Dash Panel Replacement

[hpyman123]

Kind of a long story here, but I have had a rapidly cracking dash panel in my truck for the last year. I bought a new panel from Dodge ($350) and was dreading installing it. Had my windshield replaced and noticed that with the windshield out the dash was way more accessible. Since it was Friday afternoon I asked the tech if he could just leave it out and come back on Monday to put the new one in. He said sure thing. I proceeded to replace the dash panel. Now I still had to drop the steering column but I didn't have to rotate the dash down nearly as far. Was a little tricky but with a 1/4" rachet, extension and 9/32 socket was able to change the panel in about 4 hrs. Screws on the ends of the panel were tough but if you do them first they go in with a little work. I know most of you don't do windshields very often but here in AZ. I go thru about 1 a year. Just thought I would pass this along in case anyone is pondering a dash panel replacement and needs a windshield also. .

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

That was a smart way to go about it, it's definitely a bit of a job no matter which way you go about it. I replaced a heater core a few months ago and you have to almost take the dash out but following Joe Donnelly's instructions made it considerably easier. Having the windshield out would have certainly helped a ton.

 

[Don Bellamy]

where can I find these instructions?

 

[SMcGrady]

Kind of a long story here, but I have had a rapidly cracking dash panel in my truck for the last year. I bought a new panel from Dodge ($350) and was dreading installing it. Had my windshield replaced and noticed that with the windshield out the dash was way more accessible. Since it was Friday afternoon I asked the tech if he could just leave it out and come back on Monday to put the new one in. He said sure thing. I proceeded to replace the dash panel. Now I still had to drop the steering column but I didn't have to rotate the dash down nearly as far. Was a little tricky but with a 1/4" rachet, extension and 9/32 socket was able to change the panel in about 4 hrs. Screws on the ends of the panel were tough but if you do them first they go in with a little work. I know most of you don't do windshields very often but here in AZ. I go thru about 1 a year. Just thought I would pass this along in case anyone is pondering a dash panel replacement and needs a windshield also. .

I just replaced my windshield a couple of weeks ago. when the tech pulled out the old windshield, that is exactly what I thought... I figured that I might order the dash and hang on to it till the next time I need to do the windshield. Glad to hear that you tried it and it made it easier!...

 

[hpyman123]

Cracked Dash Instructions

I originally got the instructions for replacing the dash panel from the factory service manual on CD I got from Geno's garage. It outlines removing the passenger airbag, glovebox, dash bezel etc then removing the dash. Since I've been restoring and working on cars for about 35 yrs. I always look for easier ways to do things. When the tech pulled the windshield out I had a SHAZAM moment and asked him to come back on Mon. to put the new one in so I could change the dash panel. The main thing you accomplish with the windshield out is you don't have to remove the steering column just drop it down and you can just rotate the dash back about 6-8 inches to access the screws. When you put the screws back in if you don't have a good magnetic insert just take a piece of duct tape about 1/2" wide by 1" long stick the screw thru it and put the screw in the socket and then stick the tape to the socket. When you get the screw tight the tape will twist off of the socket and stay with the screw. It's under the dash so who cares. Repeat the process for each screw and it will save you from dropping them into the dash where they may or may not fall thru to the floor.

 

[SSolderitch]

GREAT TIP ON The TAPE.

another thing to look for when the dash is apart:

There was a TSB about sqeaky dashes, something about grinding the dash plastic to clear the weld seams on the body. I believe is at the lower side mounts for the dash, kinda inside of the upper door hinge area. I think the weld was cleaned up properly after dodge realized the fitment/rub issue, would be nice to know the date of the TSB.

 

[Jeff Knight]

When I did my dash I just dropped the steering column. This was with the windshield in the truck. I also took the piece of duct work for the defrosters out and screwed it to the dash. I put it back in as a unit. It definitely would be easier with the windshield out... ..... Jeff