2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Cracking Dash on 98

[C. Harlan]

How hard is it, and what all is involved in changing out the main dashboard in these trucks? My dash has seen 230k (250k with Tire compensation), and has developed some cracks. Is this an all day job? Do you need special tools? Talk to me guys!



-Chris-

 

[Crowhurst]

Chris, if you just need to replace the plastic that frames the instruments on the driver's side, you need to lift up the flap that houses the 12 volt power take off just to the right of centre, near the top. Remove the small black cross-headed screw that is revealed. Pull the adjuster arm on the left of the steering column and pull the steering wheel down to its lowest setting. With your fingers or a flat blunt blade in the joint, press downwards and outwards along the top edge of the plastic and the clips will release. Do this all around the plastic until it falls away. A two minute job when you've done it too many times! If you wish to remove more of the dash than that, I have no experience. Have fun. Nick.

 

[tabell]

I just got done replacing my dash last month. It takes about 4hours to remove and about 2hours to put bake the first time you do it. They cost about $190 from the dealer.



In the TDR issue 46 it gives you instructions on how to take the dash apart to get to the heater core. Take all the dash pieces off so you can get to the screws on the front of the dash. You will have to remove the passanger side air bar. You do this by taking out the glove compartment to get to the screws. Then just follow the instructions in TDR 46. When you start getting pieces of the dash of you will see there is a screw on each side of the vents screwed in from the hoodside. PM me if you want a more indepth walk through and I'll give you my telephone #