I have a 1998 Ram 2500 Quad Cab 2WD with a long bed (Cummins of course). I just replaced my dashboard for the 2nd time. The first time, I used a junkyard replacement. This time, I bought a replacement from LMC truck. Along the way, a few items got broken, including the plastic dash base, which I replaced with a used one sourced from eBay. It's a long story but I'm happy to assist anyone else who has to take on this or a related task - it's a project!!

Anyway, here's my question.... my dash bezel is now cracked. I have the 1998 dash layout with the 12V power plug in the upper right location and the airbag switch in the lower right location. The aftermarket bezel replacements (e.g. LMC Truck) only come configured for 1999-2002 where the airbag switch is in the upper right and the lower right is a little storage nook. First, does anyone know of a good source for the 1998 bezel? Assuming that answer is no, has anyone "converted" their 1998 dash to a 1999-2002 dash by relocating the airbag switch and deleting the 12V power port? I'm looking for any option that will give me a nice clean look to accompany my brand new dash Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

I doubt you can make this work out. They are pretty different in shape and layout......depending on where you live, try getting a replacement out of the Northern states or even Canada for a piece that has seen lower sun damage.

 

The '98 bezels are tough to find. I'll keep looking. I was hoping that I could buy a 99-2002 airbag switch, abandon the 12V power port, and use the lower right recess to host a gauge or something else useful. Are the differences more extensive than just these items on the right hand end of the dash? Thanks.

 

I would install a '98 bezel, which I am sure I have a spare or two of in my shop.
I run a '98 12V 5 speed 4x4 quad cab short bed SRW that was a special order 3500 that I picked up out of Dallas last year. I had to put a new bezel on it off a truck from around VT. I happen to live in one of the cloudiest counties in the US, so the plastic and interior stuff stays pretty nice around here.

 

Good point. I have two votes for "suck it up and find a '98 bezel" I'll continue the search

 

You did see that part in my post that mentions I HAVE a few '98 bezels I would sell?

PM me if you would like to end your search.

 

I spoke with a rep from Geno’s and he said the 99-02 bezel that they sell would fit but that it would require shimming out the headlight switch. I’ve yet to compare the new one to the original but now I’m wondering if it’ll even work

 

So I got my new bezel out today to compare to the old one. Geno’s was right...the headlight switch isn’t quite right. However, it looks like the 12v port and airbag switch will fit fine. The old 12v port will need to have the plastic drilled out in 4 or 5 spots where it was molded (melted) to the factory dash. Then it should be able to be removed and swapped right over to the new bezel. I’ve included pics to hopefully show what I’m talking about



Position of headlight switch with new bezel

Slightly repositioned for a better fit. 2 of the mounting tabs being broke on my dash structure is how it was able to be repositioned. If your structure isn’t broke then may have to use some sort of black material as a filler for the gaps

 

Wow. Great information. If I can make the power port and air bag switch work as you describe, I’m willing to live with the headlight switch issue. Here’s the next challenge.... can we make an adaptation so the new headlight switch works on a ‘98? Thanks for all the help.

 

Sorry, I got a bit confused when you said 98'. The pics look like the newer 98.5-02 dash layout. Why not just use a headlight switch form the 98.5-02 so you don't have to work around the old style switch..?

 

I would love to be able to do that but I don’t think the 98.5-02 headlight switch will mate up with the plug or wiring on the early 98 trucks

 

After scouring the internet and searching multiple posts and some YouTube videos I think I’ve got the wiring diagram to convert either a ‘96 headlight switch or a ‘98 headlight switch over to the newer ‘99-01 switch depending on wire colors on the ‘96 or ‘98. I’ve yet to wire mine up because I’ve gotta get a newer style switch and pigtail. So with that being said, the end user assumes all risk associated with this mod. I’m including a pinout of the ‘98 and ‘00 headlight switch along with the diagrams

‘98 to ‘01 diagram

‘96 to ‘01 diagram

‘98 and ‘00 headlight pin-outs

 

Do you still have any extra dash bezels?

 

Yes.
PM if you would like.