91-96 Dash Swap

[maddy4107]

I've searched the posts and have found a few posts on this but none that answered my question. The 96 dash is the one of the first years with the more contoured shape. Not sure what year that actually started... Question I have though is whether or not the A/C can be swapped over. Mine has the slider type of controls and the 96 has the round knobs. Will this swap with or without mods or not and will the A/C work afterwards. Also, what will i have to do in order to get the gauges to work. Will i have any problems getting those to work. Finally, will i need to swap over the steering column as well? Any input would be awesome.

 

[mnmattie]

my guess would be you would have to swap over the whole dash assembly,harness,column,HVAC stuff...well you get the idea. Assuming this is a pre 93 RBV you're working on?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The 95+ dashes are much more complex than the previous ones. The HVAC stuff for example is vacuum operated rather than cable like what you have now. You would have to rewire the whole thing because the cluster is much different... I wouldn't bother.

 

[mnmattie]

well the 89-94 have some vacuum HVAC stuff. I'm in the process of doing a 94 dash swap in my 87 and there are a few vacuum lines. Cant be that bad.

 

[Ranger44]

You're also looking at the difference of OBD-I to OBD-II wiring. Big PITA if you ask me.

 

[AllanD]

all the holes in the firewall are in different places.

I'm not saying you can't do it
(I've seen pictures of a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine swapped into a '57 chevy)
but there are practical limits.

 

[maddy4107]

sorry i havent been replying but ive been on a screwed up work schedule. I do appreciate the input on this. i still havent decided if im gonna attempt it or not. i will be sure to post pics if i do though.