I would like to replace the drink launcher in my 96 with the pocket in 97 and later trucks. Will it fit?

 

Dashboard configuration changed in 98.5.

96 and 97 parts should interchange, not sure if manuals and autos had different dashes in those years, though...

 

Dash boards changed in 98.

Has no effect on your answer

 

Did 97's have the drink launcher at the top, or a pocket like the later trucks?

 

Drink launcher? They had the pull out holder at the top of the dash if that's what you mean.

98 brought the one down lower that likes to break.

 

The pullout drink launcher (holder) is what I was referring to. The question is: Will the pocket in the 98 (that is situated where the drink holder was in the 96) fit in the 96 in place of the drink launcher (holder)?

 

no.
94-97 have a pull-out cupholder. No other option.
98-02 auto has a fold down cupholder.
98-02 std shift has a compartment.
The compartment and the cupholder are interchangeable in 98-02.

But, in 94-97 there isn't anything but a cupholder to fit in that space.

 

^^^there ya go....

 

That's disappointng. Thanks...

 

These work better anyways> http://www.genosgarage.com/DODGE-RAM...P-HOLDER-9497/

 

Does that attach to the front of the console? Or does it fit inside the console?

 

x2. got it, love it.

 

When I converted to a manual on my 98 the fold down cupholders (drink dumpers) won't work with the stick in the way. I just bought one of those $10 adjustable 2 drink holders and screwed it down to the floor, pretty tight to the (center) seat. Works great and doesn't take up any more room than it needs to.

 

The cup holder from Geno's just drops in under the console lid. They work well. I put a furniture leg pad under the console lid on the left side to make it close evenly without rattling. Also put three pieces of felt inside the cup holders to stop coffee cup from bouncing around. Once you put the piece in you need to adjust the lock on the console lid. The pin at the lower side just unscrews to adjust.

 

Here is mine from genos. I love it and its way more convenient that the one I have on the floor