Original Poster: ADSM08

Difficulty: 2 out of 10

Time to install: 45 minutes

Disclaimer: The Ranger Station.com, The Ranger Station.com Staff, nor the original poster are responsible for you doing this modification to your vehicle. By doing this modification and following this how-to you, the installer, take full responsibility if anything is damaged or messed up. If you have questions, feel free to PM the original poster or ask in the appropriate section of The Ranger Station.com forums.

Brief Explanation: This is how to swap your speedometer head and odometer/trip meter to a new instrument cluster on a first generation RBV. These instructions also apply to replacement of a defective head.

In my case this was done because I am swapping dash and engine harnesses out of an ’88 with a tach as part of my engine swap, and I wanted to keep my odometer as I don’t like the font of the numbers on the ’88.

Tools Needed:

  • Philips head screw driver
  • 1/4″ ratchet set
  • Two hands

Parts Needed:

  • Speedometer head
  • Desired instrument cluster (optional)

Prep Work: Remove the instrument cluster from the vehicle. To do this, twist the two plastic knobs on the bottom of the knee bolster, and pull down. Then remove the two screws on the steering column shroud, and remove it. Next pull out the center line trim pieces (the ones in line with the head light knob, and lighter), including the ash tray. Now remove all the screw from the dash fascia. There should be four across the top, and four more across the center line of the dash. Then pull the fascia out. Next move the seat back the whole way, reach up behind the dash, and grab the collar on the speedo cable. Push down on the top of the collar and pull it away from the cluster. Now remove the 4 corner screws and flop the cluster forward. Now remove the two plugs in the back by squeezing the sides and rocking them out.

Swap: Now you should have this:

Now remove the three screws around the lens of the cluster and remove the lens

Next turn the cluster over and remove the two screws near the cable drive.

The speedometer will now come out, but may need to be rocked gently as it can become stuck with time.

This is what you should have out:

Reverse the removal procedure to put it back together. Watch the little blue plastic card for the high beam indicator. Mine fell out and I almost didn’t catch it before putting it all back together.

Note: To see the original submission, click HERE.