I cant get my gauge cluster out of my dash! I can remove the screws easy enough but I can get it to pull far enough to get to the back of it. do I have to somehow reach my hand up in there while it's still in to disconnect the speedo cable?

 

Yes. I reach around and disconnect the electrical connections and then lay it as flat as I can get it. Then reach around and disconnect the speed-o cable. You can also take out the seat, lay on your back, and reach up through the back side of the dash.

 

The speedo cable usually needs a little extra slack. You can go under the hood, pull the cable up a little near the bottom of the firewall, then push the extra through the firewall.

 

you can actually reach behind the cluster, up through the dash and remove teh speedo cable. remember to depress the locking tab to allow the speedo cable to release. you have a two pin connector that you can also access from the rear/under dash on the right side of the cluster at the top. removing the steering wheel and either dropping the steering column or removing the combination switch really helps removal but is not 100% necessary. the cluster will need to be tilted forward and then you can remove the two large white and black circular connectors and the left side three pin connector.

 

i just unscrewed mine from the tranny and pulled it through the firewall. then i forgot to reconnect it when i test drove the car. dont to that, reconnect.

 

I find the key to easy dash removal is taking out the air vent tube that crosses under the steering column. It's held in by one screw, and then pops out. Makes for much easier access and more elbow space underneath.

I never have to take the steering wheel off, but I find it necessary to take the column surround off to get enough clearance.

 

Cool, I will get it out today, then. i just didn't want to start ripping and tearing this that and the next thing out if I didn't have to. thanks for all the info!
I got so used to working on my scout II and my v-dub that i for got they make car's that don't have enough slack to do everything, lol

 

There are two screws holding the cluster in place that are located underneath as well. I know you mentioned that you have gotten all the screws out, but I thought that too the first time I pulled mine out. I looked under the dash directly under the cluster and found the two boogers holding the cluster in. You can disconnect the speedo cable at the same time.

 

om the 84-85 models there are no long screws holding the cluster from underneath the dash. just the two screws on the bottom of the cluster and one at the top, which is short and beveled..