Upgrade 1996 Dash board???

Can I replace/upgrade to a better/fuller bell's whistle Dash Board?

 

I would like to have Tac, Various Milage options, plus fluid gauges. Like a real dashboard should have!

 

Most people add a Scanguage or UltraGauge unit to pull data from OBD II system. Others also replace the clock or some blank unused knockout panels to add switches or other accessories like USB ports, voltage displays, etc. I haven't seen entire replacements though.

Also, a lot of people put LEDs in to replace the factory bulbs.

Before he moved on to being a boat captain, I think @BartMaster1234 had posted some mods to his combi meter display. He may have some ideas for you.

 

I was afraid this might be the advisory direction. I was hoping in remodels/upgrades that someone could tell of upgrading a fuller functioning Dash Board-rather than bits/parts added everywhere. UGH! Thanks though.
Still searching for a Hard Copy Shop Manual-showing a to z. Then I'll see what I can convert better.

 

I've got a few gauges. The round gauges are for monitoring air/fuel ratio, and boost. The AFR gauge is a PLX DM6 which uses an auxiliary o2 sensor. I welded a bung downstream of the headers, adjacent to the factory o2 sensor. The boost gauge is a Speedhut gauge I had custom made to match the OEM TRD gauge. That one uses a pressure sensor tapped into the supercharger manifold.

The rectangle gauge (not pictured) is a Scangauge, or the dumber version of the UltraGauge @Wsidr1 has. I use that gauge to monitor Short Term and Long Term fuel trims, in addition to other things like coolant temperature, ambient air temperature, engine timing, etc.

 

How do you like that PLX AFR gauge? How was the install? I have the same one that I'm getting ready to install.

 

I have no complaints about it. It's pretty easy to install IF you weld a bung. Originally, I de-pinned (I believe connector 0X1 on the ECU) the terminal the factory upstream o2 sensor uses, and replaced it with the terminal for the PLX o2 sensor. The PLX module allows for a passthrough of the sensor so you can bypass the factory one.

Though it would throw a code for a heater circuit malfunction, so I used a giant resistor (I think it was like... 15 ohms 8w) and thermal glued it to a giant heatsink to dissipate the heat. It worked, but I went back to the dual o2 sensor system and retained the factory sensor because I was trying to fix a misfire issue, and was eliminating variables (such as the o2 passthrough).

 

@RobinSauls

What gauges do you want exactly? Are you saying you want to replace the factory cluster with aftermarket gauges? Not sure what you mean by "If these Wirings/Connectors/Relays can be added-why not simply replace entire Dash-which can be modified to exactly all of those intrusive gauges. I already have to take this Dash out-simply to replace lights; which is nuts! None of this Dash is of quality/Practicality!"

You can install a 95-97 tachometer cluster, it bolts right in. You just need to match the engine displacement for the tach to work correctly.

Additionally, taking out the cluster is easy. It takes maybe 15-20 minutes. Remove the lower column cover, two screws for the cluster surround, and maybe four bolts for the cluster and it's out.

 

I don't have either gauge, just Google image. Been thinking about adding one but I use Bluetooth unit and the Torque app on my phone and have a hard time justifying the upgrade. If I get one, it's gonna have to be one of those "just because I want it" purchases.

You got your setup looking good though. Nice work!

 

Thanks! Torque app seems like a nice alternative.

 

Yes-I was hoping that a better dash, could replace this minimalist dash. Thanks!

 

That’s going to be more trouble than it’s worth. You need to replace the oil pressure sender, the fuel gauge sender, the tachometer signal, find a way to retain warning lights, the odometer…

I’d just find a 1995-1997 tachometer cluster and swap it in. Like I said, it bolts in.

 

@Wsidr1 What truck do you need a cluster for? I have a 4cyl 96 tach cluster just laying around in my garage that I cannot use

 

Anyone need a '98 Tachometer cluster, I have one for sale. Came out of a truck I am parting out.