How do you remove the Instrument Cluster? - Ford F150 Forum

Aaron · 11-13-2009, 03:06 PM

I've got a 1990 F150 that I want to swap out the standard cluster for a tach cluster.

I have removed all the screws holding the cluster in the IP but I can't pull it out. There doesn't seem to be any slack. What is the trick for removing this thing??? I don't have a service manuel yet so I need some help here.

Thanks for the help!

Aaron

Aaron · 11-13-2009, 04:16 PM

Ok, I've almost got it figured out. I followed the speedo cable thru the firewall. The cable had a retaining clip attached to the floor pan underneath. Once I unhooked that I ended up with enough slack to pull the cluster.

Now I just need to figure out how to disconnect that cable.

ymeski56 · 11-13-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron

Ok, I've almost got it figured out. I followed the speedo cable thru the firewall. The cable had a retaining clip attached to the floor pan underneath. Once I unhooked that I ended up with enough slack to pull the cluster.

Now I just need to figure out how to disconnect that cable.

It's been a long time since I did mine. I think there's two flat pieces of plastic on opposing sides of the cable connector. Squeeze them together while pulling on the cable!

Aaron · 11-13-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ymeski56

It's been a long time since I did mine. I think there's two flat pieces of plastic on opposing sides of the cable connector. Squeeze them together while pulling on the cable!

yep, that worked.

Peter k · 11-20-2009, 09:32 AM

How did the new cluster go in? I am hoping to do the same on my '87..
Can't believe mine did not come with a factory tack..

Oh well sill looking for a doner for this mod..

ymeski56 · 11-20-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter k

How did the new cluster go in? I am hoping to do the same on my '87..
Can't believe mine did not come with a factory tack..

Oh well sill looking for a doner for this mod..

Boneyards full of them. I pulled mine out of a Ranger for my 87' 302 F-150.

Peter k · 11-22-2009, 09:51 AM

Can you post a picture of the tac MOD? I am cureous as to the fit? Did you have to change the panel pan behind the cluster? Any tips for this newbe?
Thanks for your reply

Pete

87 f150 I6 4x4 5 on the floor
still going strong at 150k mi.

Aaron · 11-22-2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter k

How did the new cluster go in? I am hoping to do the same on my '87..
Can't believe mine did not come with a factory tack..

Oh well sill looking for a doner for this mod..

It went in really easy. The only thing that I had a little trouble figuring out in the beginning was getting enough slack in the speedo cable to pull the cluster assembly out of the IP. Just pull it out of the clips under the cab and there will be enough slack.

Aaron · 11-22-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter k

Can you post a picture of the tac MOD? I am cureous as to the fit? Did you have to change the panel pan behind the cluster? Any tips for this newbe?
Thanks for your reply

Pete

87 f150 I6 4x4 5 on the floor
still going strong at 150k mi.

The tach cluster is a direct plug in. Pull the old one out and plug the new one in. It's really that simple.

I disassembled the entire thing so I could swap out odometers. I really wanted the mileage to be correct. It's not necessary but it was worth the trouble to me.

I'll take some pics tomorrow and post them up.

Peter k · 12-01-2009, 11:17 AM

Pics?
Not to be a bother with the holidays and all, BUT...
Pics of your dash cluster?

I talked with my local wrecker, he is a little hesitant in recomending a plug in doner for this MOD.. I would like a recomendation from you all for this. My turck is an 87 f150 4.9 I6 4x4 5 speed manual (mod5) reg cab xt.. No air bag, no power locks, windows, air, just a work truck..

I guess the doner will need to have the same 4x4 configuration with the indicator 4x4 hi / lo?

I also hope to do a seat exchange. My bench is a little tired and I like the look of the bucket 40 20?