Has anyone attempted or succeeded in swapping the newer style dash assembly into a 94-97 truck? Mine is completely obliterated, and I would like to install the newer style. Thanks

 

The dash? Or the cluster? Wiring is going to be different, as is the cluster, as is the OBD port.... and numerous other things. I don't know if there are any differences in the heater box..... but, the controls sure are different, vent locations are different as well. Does the 98 have a passenger side air bag?

 

yes all 98-01's i believe came with the side air bags. mine has it, and so hasnt every other 98-01 that ive seen.

 

I'm talkin the whole dash, top and bottom. My wiring is all in good shape i have no desire to change that. I realize that parts dont interchange between the two different styles. obviously i would have to use the earlier gauge cluster though, wiring, etc. I can deal with switch and **** wiring tweaks, and the pass side airbag doesn't have to be hooked up to anything just cuz its there. Mostly to start with i"m curious to know if the lower half (primary support for the whole dash) of the plastics will bolt right in. It seems to be much easier to find the newer style in good shape in a junkyard then the 94-97.

 

Really wanna see where this forum goes. wanna put the newer style in my 96'.

 

I guess since no one seems to know the next step will be to go junkin' and start taking one apart to see what the differences are.

 

I really don't think you can. You need to change the whole wire harness, and PCM(which won't work with the rest of the truck). The switches are different shapes too, and probably wont screw into the front part of dash. Plus, if you are lucky enough to not have a cracked dash. I'd leave it alone.

 

Read my sig

I am hoping to find a way to use the old wiring and gauge cluster, adding and splicing where necessary to make the new switches do what they need to. Cant hurt to go look at a junkyard to see whats up.

 

Pardon me, didn't see that in your sig! I'm pretty sure the gauge cluster is a different shape too. Forgot to mention that in the other post. And the vent ducting is most likely different. Anything can be done with enough time and effort of course.

 

I've been thinking about this swap as well. I'm hoping to find a parts truck so I will have everything I need to do it. I figure, if I'm going to change out my tan dash for a grey one, I might as well go with something newer.

I do this swap to 3000GT's all of the time (going from driver only air bag to dual air bag setup) and it's a direct bolt in. I doubt there will be much to modify to get the newer dash to work in your truck.