Archived Dash Removal - It won't move

[BMiller7]

I'm trying to pull my dash far enough down to replace my heater core. Followed the instructions from issue 46 and 59. I'm at a point that the dash should just pull away, but it doesn't budge more than an inch on the right side. The left side doesn' move.



I've got all of the bolts(6), from the left/ride side, the steering is dropped all the way to the floor, 2 floor level screws out, top of dash (2 bolts and 4 screws) out, and even removed the pillar trim, and fan motor.



The only thing that I'm not sure of: In the engine compartment, it show'd loosening 2 10mm nuts to move the HVAC system. (In the article, the radiator bottle had was not against the firewall) I can remove one nut, but the radiator overflow bottle is stuck in front of the other nut. I pulled the right side battery, but cannot remove the overflow bottle. I removed 4 bolts holding the battery pad, but it won't pull out either.



Already pulled the heater hoses off.



Does anyone have any ideas? I'm frustrated and if I can't get it to move, I'll be forced to take it to the dealer and pay top dollar for what I think is something small in keeping me from getting the dash moved and the deater replaced. Also, I don't think the dealer will want to install my heater core from NAPA either.



Does anyone have any other ideas?



Thanks,



Bruce

 

[BGlidewell]

I've done my 2005 using those. Which truck do you have?

 

[BMiller7]

Mine's a 2005 DRW 3500 Quad cab Diesel.



I followed the instructions to a tea, all except for the one 10mm nut left along the firewall, inside the engine compartment, and behind the radiator overflow container.



The dash just doesn't want to pull back from the window.



Bruce

 

[BMiller7]

Ok, I just reviewed the instructions again and I think I may have found the answer. I don't think I pulled the 2 column support bolts. I will check it tonight and update. What do you think, would that keep the dash from pulling away? We'll see!

 

[BMiller7]

The two bolts were the one's holding everything in.

The dash pulled away enough to continue working on it. It's late though and I'll continue in the morning.



Thanks!

 

[KKohagen]

I just replaced the heater core and the top dash on my 2002. The instructions I used were the same ones in 46 and 59. On mine the dash came down about 2-3" until I took the two bolts to drop the steering wheel.
The whole assembly then dropped out enough that I could then pull out the dash to start the removal of the HVAC assembly.
Do not forget to take out the air bag module. The bracket was also holding up the dash somewhat, but really prevented it from coming away from the firewall.

Good Luck, let us know how you do.