Swap out instrument cluster

REO3

MEMBER
1990 CHEVROLET 2500
5.4L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
179,000 MILES

I would like to swap out my 1990 "Moonie" cluster for one of a compatible year model 1988 - 1993 I think. I want to replace with regular analog needle gauges. Is this just a plug in the doner cluster, and it works proposition?

Tuesday, November 13th, 2018 AT 9:05 AM

7 Replies

JONNYB1963

MECHANIC
252 POSTS

I have heard more and more people interested in doing this lately. This might not be a simple plug-n-play affair. Your vehicle is right on the cusp of when they changed things up.

Can you upload a picture of the back of your cluster? It may be possible that a 1991 needle gauge cluster may work depending on the connector.
Jon

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Tuesday, November 13th, 2018 AT 9:44 AM

REO3

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks Jon, I do not have this cluster out right now but will in a couple of weeks at the longest. I have had them out in other similar GM trucks.
I will get some pictures then and post them. I just acquired this truck and I am in the ordering and gathering parts that need replaced etc, process. So, I can keep from having a "parts laying everywhere that I forgot where they went" disaster. Thanks again, Steve

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Tuesday, November 13th, 2018 AT 5:04 PM

JONNYB1963

MECHANIC
252 POSTS

Okay. Let us know when you get to that point. Hopefully it will work out. It may require that you look for a certain vin code in the donor vehicle.

Jon

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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 7:04 AM

REO3

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks, I have a good prospect for a doner, It is a running 1994 C1500 with a lot of new parts and new tires. Going to get it for $600.00 so I cannot go wrong. It just has a ruined interior, (seats and carpet), and the door hinges are either broke or the pins are trashed. Going to go look it over real good this Saturday and pay the guy. He is just tired of the wife giving him crap about it! -Steve

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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 3:27 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,895 POSTS

It sounds like you have a good prospect for the project. Let us know if you need wiring diagrams to confirm the swap.

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Friday, November 16th, 2018 AT 7:49 PM

REO3

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks, how do you feel about the schematics offered in the Haynes or Chilton manual? I can read a schematic, (trained e tech, USAF, from the 1970's analog years, but not 100% ignorant of digital).

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Saturday, November 17th, 2018 AT 8:11 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,895 POSTS

Here are the wiring diagrams for the instrument cluster so you can confirm the locations and connections. This guide can help you as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

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