my old dealer told me my instrument cluster is shot and needs to be replaced. the tach bascially has a mind of its own, spinning all the way around to just below the 0 mark.
with that being said, how hard is it to change the custer? my truck is out of warranty, and the bill for relacing the cluster and the heater box came to $1300, which we dont have right now.

 

Replacing the cluster is fairly easy. I didn't replace mine but I did take it out to check the wiring when I installed my radio steering wheel controls. Locate and remove any screws holding the cluster surround bezel to the dash and remove it. You may have to remove the shroud around steering wheel also. It's held with screws on the bottom.

 

Check out the following discussion, particularly member ratlratl's write up for information on HVAC parts removal and repair > Infamous HVAC Door issue . . .

I imagine that once you remove the dash to get to the HVAC parts you should have easy access to the instrument cluster.

Good luck.

 

You don't have to remove all of the dash to replace the instrument cluster. There's only a few pieces that have to be removed. Be careful of the clips on the bezel. They will scratch the lens cluster.

 

wow, so far it doesnt sound to bad, thanks for all the info.

 

It might just be a long shot but ,before I installed my Pac Brake my tach. was jumping all over the place at idle.Now its always rock steady.The 2 things that might have fixed it.Removing and re installing the rear ECM connector on the engine and also their was a wiring harness that was touching the alluminum pipes near the steering box that seemed abit over heated.