Cluster removal?

[Carlos Murphy]

How do I remove the instrument cluster "with tach" from my 88 ranger?

 

[adsm08]

Pull all the trim along the mid-line of the dash off, including removing the ash tray. Then remove the screw for the facia around the cluster, there are 4 that go up into the dash pad at the top.

Then reach up behind the dash and get the speedo cable unhooked. It's a pain. Its one of those things I can do, but I can't tell others how to do it because I don't really know. I just know it involves squeezing the tab thingy on the collar and pulling.

Then you remove the four screws around the edges of the cluster, lean it forward, unplug the two electrical connectors, and it is out.

Technical notes: the presence of the tach doesn't change that procedure.

Punctuation note: You don't need the quotes. The way you used them they would indicate that you were told the cluster has a tach, but it isn't actually there.

 

[Mike Tonon]

remove light switch knob and lighter (place flat screwdriver behind knob slot and pull)
pull off center dash molding (3 pieces + ash tray, push down on lever to release ash tray)
remove steering column covers (take out two screws on bottom)
remove the 8 screws holding dash bezel
take dash bezel out of way
remove 4 screws holding gauge cluster
gently pull out gauge cluster while removing cables and wires

 

[adsm08]

Removal of the headlight knob and column covers are instructed but not required.

The trim piece around the headlight knob can be disengaged from the dash with the knob in place. It will unclip and can then be rotated out of the way far enough for the facia to be removed.

The book tells you to remove the column covers, but I have found, after doing this many times, that the facia can also be removed around the column covers if you just tip it right. And I hate trying to get those stupid things back on.

 

[Carlos Murphy]

Thanks for the info guy's, my dash has been apart for a week but I can't seem to get my hand into the bottom of the dash, I'll keep trying.

 

[black_demon69]

Thanks for the info guy's, my dash has been apart for a week but I can't seem to get my hand into the bottom of the dash, I'll keep trying.

To gain more room behind cluster you can disconnect speedometer cable @ the transmission so you can feed some in to get more slack behind cluster. Remove as instructed above.

 

[SenorNoob]

If, like me you're a pretty big guy, you might wanna remove the driver's side seat to make it easier.....

 

[Carlos Murphy]

Speedo cable

To gain more room behind cluster you can disconnect speedometer cable @ the transmission so you can feed some in to get more slack behind cluster. Remove as instructed above.

The third time crawling under my truck I finally found the speedo cable, it was attached to the top of the transfer case
I got it off and was able to pull the cluster out far enough to disconnect the cable.