hello everyone, I bought this truck a few months ago. The dash is not well attached and is shaking so bad that the cluster cover broke. Is there a bracket or cover that goes from the steering column to attach the lower dash part? I noticed a set of hole which seem to indicate that there is something missing here. Where can I get info to buy this part? I checked LMC but don’t see anything in diagrams. Thanks!

 

Yes there's a cover that's steel or plastic depending on the year. but it's just a cover it won't add any structural support to help your shaking.

They aren't repoped but they're easy to find used.

 

If your dash is shaking/rattling, then odds are the bolts that tie in the sides to the cab are missing. If you remove you gauge cluster and glove box insert, it will be much easier to see and get to them. They could even just be loose as a lot of times they are forgotten about. What year is your truck, I am positive that I have one of the covers that is missing from your dash to column and I'd be willing to just give it to you.

 

X2 on it sounds like you are missing some other hdwr that holds the dash in place. And X3 that area of the dash (clamp) really just holds the steering column up and in place. Yes depending on the year of the truck (older 73-early 77 the cover it metal, newer late 77-79 it is plastic). Yours looks to be a 78/79 with the 2 dash holes for the plastic cover alignment pins. And yes it does not really hold or secure the dash from moving. It just covers that area for a cleaner look.

To have a vibration bad enough to flex the dash that much (to crack the instrument cluster bezel), sounds like you have a way bigger issue. How does it drive/steer/handle/stop? Need front end alignment, need the tires balanced? Is the vibration also in the steering column? Look for the 2 main bolts (one in end dash end) holding it in place. Also check for security of the bracket in the pic below.


This is a 76 2wd auto and it had a metal clip on cover, that goes just underneath the column.

79 4wd 4 spd, 2 piece that snaps apart and then completely around the column and snaps back together.

There is a different in the plastic ones. I believe the manual trans is longer and automatic trans is shorter.

Behind the cluster and or from u under the dash, this piece (the the speedo cable is coming thru the U) SHOULD be there and is connected to the fire wall AND dash.

Better view of the bracket. Blue piece under duct work. And the black one under that for the pedal assembly and steering column support.

 

Is it the entire dash shaking, or is it just the instrument surround? Any chance you have an aftermarket radio just being held in place by the plastic surround and no back strap support? Just putting a possibility out there.

 

Good thinking 5851a.

 

Thanks for your advice, and especially thanks for offering the part i'm missing for free. I would gladly accept, and pay for shipping. Let me know if this is still ok with you and I'll contact you. What is you email address and/or phone number. ?

Thanks

Pat.