Direct bolt in gauge cluster

[Cragmor]

Looking for any place that has a gauge cluster that will wire right into the existing wiring harness. Also, if it can bold directly in without cutting anything like the old gauge back panel, the better. I'm not caring if they are analog or digital. I understand that digital will require some work since it would require wiring a speed sensor etc. Looking for the option that will required the least modification, but maybe provide some better performance than the stock. Otherwise, might just go to LMC and replace the existing gauges with stock.

 

[75gmck25]

Like every mod to your truck - what is your budget?

For example, Dakota Digital some nice replacement clusters that drop right in, but they are not cheap.

 

[Randy and Easton]

Lots of guys went Dakota Digital and they all seem to like them. We were going to do the same but 16 year olds budget did not allow the extra cash at the time. We refurbished the stock cluster, new CB, contacts lights (LED) replaced a few gauges and cleaned up the others. Took out the clock and blocked that off. Did it all for under $300 and he is happy so far.

Randy and Easton

 

[Soundmound]

I just replaced mine with the LMC tac kit and all new gauges, sockets, bulbs, circuit board, etc. Do yourself a favor if you go with stock, skip the OG bulbs altogether. I did mine with new incandescent and immediately redid it with the 194 style LEDs before I even reinstalled it. I actually could have gone one level up in intensity to be honest. They're not as bright as I want, but are 500% better than the original style bulbs.

 

[Bennyt]

I liked the Dakota but wanted the simplicity for my son's truck. I bought the tachometer conversion kit from LMC on sale for $280, and bought a new speedo, electric oil pressure gauge, and a used voltmeter for another $120 total.

Then I ordered gauge faces color matched to the truck for $75.

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[Randy and Easton]

@Bennyt any finished pics with decals? Cool look.

Randy and E

 

[Cragmor]

Pretty open. Not opposed to up to $1500. Been looking at Dakota. I am just really surprised at the lack of direct plugin options. I just really am not a fan of the idea of hacking up the dashboard wiring.

 

[Scott91370]

The only thing I do not like about the Dakota Digital is the 160mph speedo. If it went to 100 it would be easier to read.

 

[CalSgt]

The only thing I do not lioke about the Dakota Digital is the 160mph speedo. If it went to 100 it would be easier to read.

My Dakota goes to 120.

I looked at lots of aftermarket options, 160 mph speedos and 12K rpm tachs seem to be most everything available.

The Dakota’s 120 & 8K tach were the most appropriate I could find

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[Scott91370]

You must have the RTX. I have the VHX. Don't kow the diffference but man that would have been nice.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Pretty open. Not opposed to up to $1500. Been looking at Dakota. I am just really surprised at the lack of direct plugin options. I just really am not a fan of the idea of hacking up the dashboard wiring.

Unfortunately there's no aftermarket gauges that will use the factory style plug. That style plug doesn't really work well for modern electronics. I've got the Dakotas in mine and they're great, super easy to wire up. But you do need to cut some wires out of the factory plug and then run some others into the engine bay for their sensors. Here's a good cheat sheet I found for the factory plug:

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I have the Squarebody Syndicate versions that look OE

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[Zelph]

Those syndicate gauges would be absolutely perfect without the logo in middle of the speedometer.

 

[85K304SPD]

Wow, imaging getting that, or any, Square up to 160 mph, or even 140.

 

[Scott91370]

I didn't cut any of my wires from the plug. I used, no flames, vampire taps. I know....I'm not a bog fan of them either but couldn't bring myself to put the plug off.

 

[SquareRoot]

Pretty open. Not opposed to up to $1500. Been looking at Dakota. I am just really surprised at the lack of direct plugin options. I just really am not a fan of the idea of hacking up the dashboard wiring.

It's only hacking if the installer doesn't know or care enough to do it right.