- TRUCKIN.COM [7 3 ] NOVEMBER 2019 -
- To get this gauge swap started, Seth
used a couple of simple handtools to
remove the old cluster.
3. There were a couple of connections
behind it, so when it was unseated from
the dashboard, he leaned it forward
enough to access the backside.4. Our old gauge cluster was disconnected
from the factory electrical harness along
with the speedometer cable. Our oil
pressure and temperature gauges had been
relocated previously, so those connections
needed to be rerouted.5. With the old gauges out, the factory harness was
exposed and several wires from this harness will be used
with our new parts.
6. Seth began working on a quick bracket for the VHX control
unit. The unit can be mounted easily behind the new cluster
or under the dashboard with or without a custom bracket.- After marking the aluminum for
bends and cuts, he removed the excess
from one side.
8. With the mounting holes drilled, Seth
put the piece in the sheetmetal brake to
make bends at the desired locations.9. The VHX gauge kit comes with an
electronic speed sender, oil pressure sender,
and temperature sender pictured here, as well
as NPT bushings with various thread pitch.
To prepare for the new senders provided
with the Dakota Digital VHX gauges, Todd
wrapped the adapters with Teflon tape to
ensure a tight seal.
Under the hood, Todd installed the
temperature-sending adapter in the
manifold and routed the wiring through a
factory grommet in the firewall.
12. Todd moved under our Suburban to plug
the new electronic speed sender into the
transmission so we can once again have an
accurate reading of our speed and mileage.