I've got the top row of screws out and popped the bottom loose- but it still seems well attached in the middle. Does it the top come out first or the bottom? Very stuck and don't want to end up with it broken.

M

 

got it!

 

The only trick I have learned to pulling those out is to loosen the HVAC controller as well so to take the tension off the little "leg" on the side of the gauge cluster. Otherwise it is easy to break it.
All of the other screws should be easily visible.

Or are you talking about the whole instrument panel bezel?
Its which case they is a screw under that HVAC controller that is easy to miss.
The bezel does have some metal clips that hold it in that you do have to pull against to get it to pop free. If you have a tilt wheel, tilting it down helps get it out.

 

I didn't type fast enough....

 

Maybe it's the warp in my dash- but the upper right corner is really hard to get out. Missing a few clips on the bottom.

 

You have to watch those plugs on the back of the info center. It's easy to break one of them off.

 

Removing the plastic encasement from the steering column first makes huge difference when pulling the bezel off.
I hate pulling that thing off because I just know that I'm going to break it but, it seems like I'm always having to dig in there for whatever I'm doing.
I do have a spare for when it eventually happens.

 

I had to take mine all apart to replace the ignition switch recently and I discovered that part just slips right out with nothing to hold it there but gravity. I had to drop the steering column down to get at the switch but I'm glad I replaced it because everything works much nicer now. My blinkers would barely function and sometimes the radio wouldn't work. A new switch for the non-tilt wheel is a cheap fix.

Edwin

 

I forgot that the pre-91 trucks have a different set-up on the column.

 

Be sure to disconnect the PRNDL selector cable first before you drop your steering column if you have an automatic transmission or you might damage it.

 

None of that slushbox stuff on my Cummins.

 

Yes, Very easy to break

 

Don't forget about unscrewing the map reading light, just above the message screen.

The most fragile part, in my opinion, is what Jim Layne touched on- the string cable, that attaches to the gear shifter in the auto trucks. Pulls on a lever that will carry over to PRND21. Be vewy, vewy caeful.