I have an '85 F150 with a cracked dash and damaged instrument cluster. I have an '89 F150 for parts. The dash is perfect and in working order. I am considering changing the dash in my '85 and replacing it with the '89 dash. Has anyone done this or know how difficult this is. They have the same guages lights etc. I was considering leaving the wiring basically intact in my '85 except for modifying the behind the dash wiring and changing the necessary connectors in the dash so that it will plug into the back of the '89 dash. i don't have the wiring diagrams yet. I don't know if it is that simple. Does anyone know? Thank You in advance.

 

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Ford changed the electrical system layout in 87. Up through 86 the front wiring is basicly one unit with the dash wiring, starting in 87 there is a large round bulkhead disconnect under the brake booster. You can probably do it, but it will require a bit of wiring work.

 

Thanks 85lebaront2. That's encouraging! Do you know of a source where
I can get detailed wiring diagrams of the wiring for the '85 & '89, particularly the bulkhead you mentioned? I tried the local library and that was a waste of time.

 

I have some of it, but it isn't as good as the Ford diagrams. One thing in your favor, Ford has kept the same color codes for years. I put a 74 Lincoln Mark IV dash and steering column in a 58 Country Squire, and all the running, brake and turn signal colors were the same.

 

I will do some more comparing and give it a try. Thank you

 

Anything is possable, but it will not be fun. I have a 82 but am using a 86 dash and wireing and the harnesses do not interchange. Infact I am haveing problems with using a 84 rear harness with a 86 dash harness. None of the plugs fit and the wire colors do not match. I will also be looking for wireing diag. as well.
Good Luck
Ken

 

Each year ford changed something with the wiring harnesses on these trucks. The most compatible years is as follows.

1980 -
1981 to 1982
1983 -
1984 to 1986

The biggest problem you will find is the connectors won't match up. You can change the connectors on most of the plugs without splicing a wire. Just remove the wires from the connectors and replace them in the new ones etc...

The color codes are relatively the same throughout the years, (the ford mechanics insist on it. ) there are exceptions however.

The biggest problem you will have to deal with is changing the mounting brackets on the cab for the new dash. They are different I've been told, and the foot pedals, (clutch and brake) mount differently so you will need to replace the ones on the truck with the ones out of the 1987 when you do the job. I've heard of people doing this, and they talk about welding, and modification, and things of that nature.

Here is my opinion, It would be easier to replace the dash pad with a new one. 12 screws and you're done. To replace the entire dash as is being discussed here, would in my opinion be cost prohibitive, time consuming and a nightmare, especially if you don't know what you are doing. Just my two cents.