What years will Instrument clusters work for an 86 with auto trans and a/c?

Barrett-FL · May 28, 2024

Which years interchange with 86 for instrument cluster?

I was told that they differ depending upon the year and want to see if mine is correct or requires replacement as none of the gauges are working.

Thanks!

Barrett-FL · May 28, 2024

Here’s what I have currently.

dsteelejr · May 28, 2024

I would find out why none of the gauges are working before blindly throwing money at parts until it’s fixed.

If you still want to know what years are interchangeable go look on LMC Truck’s website. Find the part you’re looking for and see what range of years it covers. Especially the printed circuit.

TotalyHucked · May 28, 2024

^Agreed with David. Need to track down why the gauges don't work first. Could be the senders on the engine/fuel sender/speedo cable all have issues. Could be the printed circuit is toast (those are sold individually as well), could simply be the plug is unhooked

dsteelejr · May 28, 2024

If none of the gauges work first thing to check is if they have power. Pull the cluster out and on the plug there is a pink-black wire that feeds power to the gauges via the printed circuit. If you put a volt meter on that pink-black wire terminal on the plug it should have 12V with the key on. Just be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery so you don’t risk shorting out anything on your cluster while you’re removing. I’ve fried two gauges that way. Of course, you’ll have to reconnect the battery when you test for power on the pink-black wire. Just be careful no positive wires are touching a ground.

Barrett-FL · May 28, 2024

Thank each of you for your replies.
I was advised by someone that from the look of it the instrument cluster was incorrect that truck.
Someone had replaced the seat with. Buckets from a Suburban. They also replaced the door trim panels which are for a power door and mine had manual windows.
I figured I’d buy a replacement dash cluster to eliminate that issue to start. I will be seeking a bench seat and correct trim panels as I proceed.

Barrett-FL · May 28, 2024

Barrett-FL said:
Thank each of you for your replies.
I was advised by someone that from the look of it the instrument cluster was incorrect that truck.
Someone had replaced the seat with. Buckets from a Suburban. They also replaced the door trim panels which are for a power door and mine had manual windows.
I figured I’d buy a replacement dash cluster to eliminate that issue to start. I will be seeking a bench seat and correct trim panels as I proceed.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

dsteelejr · May 28, 2024

Barrett-FL said:
Thank each of you for your replies.
I was advised by someone that from the look of it the instrument cluster was incorrect that truck.
Someone had replaced the seat with. Buckets from a Suburban. They also replaced the door trim panels which are for a power door and mine had manual windows.
I figured I’d buy a replacement dash cluster to eliminate that issue to start. I will be seeking a bench seat and correct trim panels as I proceed.

Curious how someone could determine it’s the wrong cluster when, I’m assuming, it wasn’t even taken out of the dash.

Barrett-FL · May 28, 2024

Not sure either but they stated it was based upon the pic I provided. Thus the reason for investigating.

GTX63 · May 29, 2024

I have swapped out clusters and circuit boards from most every year of squarebody truck. There are differences in ie temp gauge resistance from early models to late, and some cosmetic updates on the faces, but nothing that would cause a circuit board or gauge in a 1973 to not work in a 1987. The speedometer is mechanical. Yes, there are slight differences, but the basic structure is the same, meaning if all of the gauges do not work reread post #5. It is not a compatibility issue but an electrical one.

BadBowtie · Jun 5, 2024

Basically. They interchange from 1976-91. But, if you want to retain your 1986 cruise control, 1983-91. If you find a manual trans cluster, just swap in your original 1986 transmission shift indicator plate and needle. If you have an OD 700R4 and find a 1983 TH350 cluster, again, just swap out your shift indicator plate. Then you have the whole clock, no-clock and either tach option or not too.

Termite_Delight · Jun 5, 2024

Barrett-FL said:
Here’s what I have currently.

That wiper switch was used till 1983... Your wiper switch should be in the column for an 86,

Barrett-FL · Jun 5, 2024

Now I’m even more confused!? The title shows an 86 and matches the VIN number on the dash…are you suggesting the steering column has been replaced with an 83 or older model?

Termite_Delight · Jun 5, 2024

The metal dash is part of the cab... I'd check the rivets on your VIN tag.

RetroC10Sport · Jun 5, 2024

DO NOT TRY TO PLUG IN A 1973-75 CLUSTER IN A 1976-88! 1973-75 uses an amp gauge and 1976+ uses a voltmeter, your wiring harness and probably your truck will be toast if you try doing this.

What years will Instrument clusters work for an 86 with auto trans and a/c?

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