i was wanderin what kind of work is involved in swaping the dash from my 97 with one from a 2000? any one done this? my dash is gone and i have access to a 2000 thats my reason for asking. thanks

 

I feel like it would be pretty easy since the 98 12v had the interior like the 2000. I just think you might now use some of the electronic warning on the gauge cluster. Should bolt right in though.

 

You may have trouble with the vin number.

 

The vin number is just riveted to the dash, at least on the earlier 2nd gen cabs, easy swap, just be gentle.

 

what about electrical? would i be able to use my cluster? im thinkin it should bolt right though. and hopefully plug in too

 

put a dash cap on it DODGE RAM DASH theve got a install vid on there too.

 

Yes, VERY gentle!

 

i would put a dash cap on but the passenger compartment piece is gone all broke off and the mounts for the cup holder and radio are broke off also and they are part of the bottom dash piece that dodge doesnt make anymore so a dash cap is pointless in my case.

 

Yea might as well swap it out. Im not sure on the electrical, I took my cab apart before and it seems like there was no way of disconnecting all the electrical in the engine bay, (not the wire harness for the engine) but all the electrical to the lights, 4x4 actuator switch, wind shield wipers, stuff like that. There were all connected to the fuse box in the dash, and that was permanently on there I think...maybe riveted on, im not sure, The doors electrical disconnects though. So its kind of a long process...

 

if i were to just find the same 97 dash but the whole thing would that be easier then puttin in one from a 98.5-01, and whats all involved with changing the dash if im puttin the same 97 one in do i have to take the whole frame and everything out or can i just take the plastics off the frame and put them on mine?