hodown

Got the gauges swapped. And in for good this time. Just need to swap the steering wheel controls.
Here's the New(used) gauge

hodown

Okay guys. Here's a quick write up until I get my laptop fixed. The gauge cluster has (4) 7MM sized bolts that hold it in place.
Two up top. One on bottom right and one on the bottom left. I'm doing this off my phone so the pictures won't go in sequence. But anyway here we go.
Important Notice! This is informative only. I suggest you take your vehicle to a proper certified shop to complete any and all work to your vehicles.

1)First remove the (-) battery terminal.
2) Now apply the parking brake firmly.
3)If you have a column shifter put the truck in 1st. This allows you more room to remove the trim panel and the gauges. You will also need to move the steering wheel to its lowest position.
3)The trim panel that goes around the cluster is held on by two 7MM that are under the dash directly above the steering wheel.
4)Remove those two bolts. Use a panel/trim removal tool to pop the trim piece away from the dash. It takes some finesse to work it out and to get it by the steering wheel.
5)Remove the 4 bolts that hold the cluster in.
6)Unplug the cluster.
7)Plug new cluster in.
Note the new cluster will NOT display the vehicles correct mileage.
8)Reassemble the dash in reverse order.

Removing the airbag to install the gauge navigation buttons.

There are 3 small holes on the steering wheel. About 3/16" in size. In the 3,6, and 9 o'clock positions.
I used a 5/32" Allen wrench.
Note this may not be the correct tool! Be careful when using this as a removal tool.
Insert the Allen Into each hole individually.
Apply pressure. You will feel the Allen pop into place. Then apply some more force. The releases for the airbag have like a two stage release. The Allen will click and go in further. You will need to watch the airbag. As it will push away from the steering wheel just a little. Do the same for the other two holes. With each the airbag will move farther away from the steering wheel.
Once the airbag is free. Just set it on top of the steering wheel.
Now onto the removal if the steering wheel controls.
Inside the airbag housing is the electrical connection for the controls. Disconnect that plug.
I used a 3/32" Allen(it's what was closest. ) I put it in between the inside of the steering controls and the steering wheel. Gave it a little prying pressure and you'll see it slowly turn away from the steering wheel. Insert the new steering wheel buttons. Connect the plug.
Now to install the airbag back in place. Set it in place. Line it up close to where it was originally.
Simply push on the airbag and it will pop right back into place.
Reconnect the battery terminal.
Check all the buttons to make sure they work. Test drive and enjoy your need cluster!!!

hodown

I did this on my 2013 F-150 STX 401 package.
The cluster came from a 2012 XLT. There's a sticker on the back of the cluster that is printed
Limited/XLT model.

hodown

Link to youtube video of removal.

hodown

Finished my lowering kit this weekend. So total I have a 2/4" drop. I am going for a new lightning set up. And with this drop I've got the sport truck look going for sure. Now I need some new shoes.

Sweatmachine

Have you seen these? I think they'd look awesome on your truck.

http://www.blackrhinowheels.com/truc...-rims-peak.php

Zax

Got a write up on the mirror swap? Everything work? Nice truck man

rcsbSTX

Great Job!

Chris H

hodown - your truck is coming along very nicely! It's nice to see someone else breaking the mold and going for the sport look...



Thanks for the link - I'm kinda digging the Traverse...

bravozero

Where did you get the FX2 mirrors? OEM or replica?