Does the steering wheel have to come off?

I did a search and some people said they were able to just tilt the steering wheel down.

It just doesn't seem physically possible for me to get the cluster out without taking off the steering wheel/cover. Theres just no room.

Also, exactly how far will the cluster come out before I have to disconnect the speedo connection? What side is the speedo connection on?

The Haynes manual is less than detailed and it seems that for my year car at least (87 IROC dash) the cluster isn't going to come out unless I pull the steering wheel off, or even perhaps lower the steering column itself.

I'm just kind of screwed at this point, because my temp guage is broken and I need to get back there.

 

I read that it helps a ton taking out the 2 nuts that hold the column up so it lowers

 

I was able to get the face of the cluster off. Lower the column with the two bolts, tilt it down, and pull off the dash pad. It'll work.

 

I forced it out and in with a speedo that had a long tipodom button on it. It was hard but at just the right angle you can get it in, it scratches your steering column a little lol, use a rag.

 

Lowering the column will allow you enough room to pull the cluster (after you've removed the two 10 mm speed nuts on either side of the cluster). With the speedo cable attached, you'll have very little play.

More importantly, the temp guage is removed from the front of the cluster, not the rear. Remove the black plastic bezel, the clear plastic gauge face, and finally the metal bezel. The temp gauge is held in place with two or three screws. Remove them and simply pull on the guage. Fifteen minutes to swap out.

JamesC

 

Thanks for the input, sounds like dropping the steering column a tab bit will do the trick.

Does the dash pad need to come off? It didn't seem like the dash pad affected the gauge cluster's removal.

 

No.

JamesC

 

no it doesnt, but it overhangs the cluster. Its relatively easy to take off, and will give you a couple more inches and spare you squeezing the cluster through. But its ur call.

 

how do I disconnect the speedo so that I can actually pull the whole cluster out?

 

Follow this advice. No need to pull the entire cluster for the temperature gage.
There is a clip on the cable to the speedometer. Push it towards the cluster to release it from the speedometer.