Its easier to remove the dash because pulling one side up with a ratchet strap will bend the mount "tab" on the opposite end. Second, its easier because the dash isn't hanging in the way of getting the HVAC box out of the truck. Thirdly, it is FAR easier to remount the HVAC box if you can sit directly in front of it, rather than having to support it from the side while the dash hangs in the way.

Now, if you feel your method is the way to go, thats fine. I'm suggesting that removal of the entire dash is just as easy, and provides better access. Those that will do this job can choose their path, as you and I have. Simply put, more choices provides better decision making.

As to the pics, I've had my HVAC box out of the truck twice. This may be more or less than others, but its certainly enough that a) I don't need to look at pics to understand the job, b) I have my own pics to offer, as you will see in the next post I make.

 

Posting these is far harder than it needs to be. Take note Admins.



Being ready includes disconnecting the batteries.







Just inside the weatherstripping, and below the dash, you can see one of the bolts that holds the dash in.



One of the two nuts that holds the column in can be seen just to the left of the column.



The covers on the column may require a Torx driver, as well as Phillips screwdrivers.





As you can see, the tab is slotted for easy removal.



Use air power if you can, it speeds the job along.



Roll the dash slightly to the rear of the truck, lift a bit, and it comes out. Move it toward the passenger side, and your assistant can handle it until you come around to reaquire possession of your end.

Sorry, no pics while lifting.

Iced tea is an indication of my desire to have an AC flooded garage in my future.....

 

more than i could have expected. to bad you don't write the manual. i got a while before i yank this dash out . but having info on doing it makes it sooo much easier.

 

At center right, you'll see the airbag controller. This has a bracket that goes over it, and a plug in the front of it. Take care in this area, as its got delicate parts and likes to be treated well. The bracket holds the lower edge of the dash, so you'll need to pull six bolts out. Take a pic of it if you want, the location of the bracket is somewhat deceptive after spending a hot day pulling the dash out.



This gives an idea how easy it is to work on the HVAC box once the dash is out of the truck.



Having an able assistant makes things go much faster.





The black vacuum line at the top left with the green tag is part of the HVC system. It follows the evap core connections through the firewall. Be sure it doesn't get stuck.



You are seeing left and center of five bolt locations across the top of the dash. Tighten the center one first, then move outward. This cuts down on rattles and squeaks.



Note the radio antenna cable on the floor. This is the most difficult wire to deal with in this job.



Big enough to put a pizza on.

 

downloaded and copied to paper . thanks much you ever get in this area let me know i owe you .

 

NIce pics.
Taking the dash out looks like a ton of extra work. Especially with all the accessories i have plugged in under the dash. I hung the dash per the recommendation of my Brother in law who is a mechanic and has done over 100 dodge heater box's. He can do a AC evap in under 4 hours. But if you don't mind the extra work then removing the dash is OK.
I did a write up on it but gotta find it.
this one is for the dash top replacement.
Dash removal
HERE is a good thread about evap removal.

 

Before retirement I moonlighted in the Air conditioning and electronics installation business, we also did heater cores and automatic AC. I would mostly install the stuff on the inside of the vehicle as during peak season I would do as many as 5 new AC installs a day starting in 1976. Thats a heck of a lot of heater plenum's removed and installed. What I learned over that time was the less you take apart the less time it takes and more importantly the less to screw up. Dashes never came out and we never used straps to tie stuff up we just left them loose, that way you cant crack the dash accidentally. Sure its nice to see how our trucks are put together if you feel like it, but after the first few hundred or so they are all much alike and work just about the same way.

 

kinda like when i have to watch someone work on brakes in my shop . by the first fifteen minutes i go nuts grab tools and start getting the job done. had to quit letting my buddies work in front of me because they putt to slow. can't help it just the way i am. like you say after couple hundred times it all looks the same. thanks again for alll the input.

 

The only real difference between hanging the dash and what I did was, in the time it took time to hang the dash, I took that same time and just picked it up and left the truck with it.

I'm not sure how this could be done without dash removal. IMO, dash removal means, the dash was detached from the body of the truck no matter how far you move it afterward.

I have a friend that claims 3 hours to do the job, but I'm only down to 5 hours myself. Part of that is the fact that I seem to pick the warmest part of the year to do it.

 

No problem, glad the pics can help. Any other questions, I'm sure omeone here has encountered it, so ask away.

 

The pics you have show the airbag control quite clearly, thats the bugger in the middle with the bracket around it.

What caused the dash to crack?

 

My dash was cracked well before doing the Evap. It's very common in the 24V trucks. Just do a search on here for it and you'll have lots to read.

 

Im about to tackle mine tomorrow. does anyone have the pics that max340 posted up? seems like he posted a lot and would be very helpful. thanks

 

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=183867

 

thanks, i had found that one already. i got 'er done today and used the instructions from the heater core thread, i just posted some pics on there. i believe he got most of the info from you, so thank your for your good write up, it made the job a lot easier

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...18#post2396018