Dashboard Removal In An 86 Mj?

[armyofchuckness]

Hey, guys.

 

I've got a few projects I was going to undertake on my MJ that I think I can take care of at once.

 

1. Replace fuse box under the dashboard.

2. Replace the idiot cluster with a full cluster.

3. Change out the heater valve.

 

All of these other than the heater valve kind of involve some serious dash work, so I was thinking for accessibility, I'd just pop the dashboard out. Maybe pull the seat too for easier access. 

 

Does anyone have advice on dash removal and/or fuse box replacement? I'm planning on doing it the painful way, swapping out plug for plug with the replacement fuse box from another MJ. (Thanks again, Jim.)

 

Any ideas you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[onlyinajeep726]

Here: http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/dash-removal-35444/

:thumbsup:

[armyofchuckness]

Thank you, sir. Much obliged. Looks like I got my work cut out for me.

[onlyinajeep726]

You're quite welcome.  To be honest, it's actually very simple to pull the dash.  As I've progressed through my big overhaul/4.0 swap in my '86, I've pulled a dash three times.  First, I pulled out the dash in my MJ, then I pulled the dash from a parts XJ I have (which I am using as a dash replacement) and finally, I pulled the dash from my donor XJ so I could get the dash harness and HVAC box.  You can have it out in about 20-30 minutes.  Hardest part is getting the defrost cowl vents cover off.  It's tucked right up against the bottom of the windshield and you have like no room to turn a screw driver, especially on the driver side...

[armyofchuckness]

That's encouraging. How did you get those screws out? I have a 90 degree angle screwdriver that's got a 3/4" profile. I think that may be my best bet. It's going to be tricky given that this is my daily driver, so I have to get it all done in a weekend. Nice to know the dash disassembly will be quick. I think I'll pull the seat and manual console at the same time. Easy access, and I can put the new floor mat in at the same time.

 

Thanks again for the advice!

[onlyinajeep726]

How did you get those screws out?

Lots of patience... the old defrost cowl from the MJ I ended up snapping off cause I didn't care.  But I had to be careful with my donor dash.  I'm not going to even put those screws back as it has snap fittings and in reality, unless you roll it, where is it going to go? lol

[KYMJ]

That's encouraging. How did you get those screws out? I have a 90 degree angle screwdriver that's got a 3/4" profile. I think that may be my best bet. It's going to be tricky given that this is my daily driver, so I have to get it all done in a weekend. Nice to know the dash disassembly will be quick. I think I'll pull the seat and manual console at the same time. Easy access, and I can put the new floor mat in at the same time.

 

Thanks again for the advice!

I bought a flexible shaft screwdriver to replace mine.

[armyofchuckness]

Ooh. An excuse to buy new tools! I like it. :cheers:  Thanks for the tip on putting the screws back. I'll do my best not to roll her.  :D