Do you need to pull the instrument cluster on an 1988 MJ to replace speedometer cable?

[Phil Reinsch]

Doesn't look like it can be reached otherwise.

[olddude]

Correct But, just pull out far enough to get your hand behind the rt side to disconnect the cable.

[pizzaman09]

I have long skinny arms, I did mine in place from under the dash.  It wasn't all the difficult but I think I broke the cable clip on the old cable when pulling it out of the dash.  It didn't matter since I was replacing it.

[cruiser54]

The cluster is super simple to remove. One of the easiest I've ever seen. 

[Phil Reinsch]

This is helpful. In removing the instrument cluster bezel/upper instrument panel at least enough to disconnect the cable, couple questions:

1. I took out the top screws for the lower instrument panel - will that be enough or will I  end up taking that completely off too?

2. How do the tabs work for the upper instrument panel? 

    I don't want to break them, especially the one in the upper right corner. Maybe a shimmy tool?

    Hopefully the lower tabs just pull up and out.

[schardein]

If you have cruise control, there will be the regular speedo cable, which screws into a speed sensor.  Then a short section of speedometer cable that goes from the speed sensor to the instrument cluster.  

 

35 minutes ago, Phil Reinsch said:

This is helpful. In removing the instrument cluster bezel/upper instrument panel at least enough to disconnect the cable, couple questions:

1. I took out the top screws for the lower instrument panel - will that be enough or will I  end up taking that completely off too?

2. How do the tabs work for the upper instrument panel? 

    I don't want to break them, especially the one in the upper right corner. Maybe a shimmy tool?

    Hopefully the lower tabs just pull up and out.

Not sure what you are asking here.  Pictures would be helpful.

 

Here is a picture of the speed sensor and short cable if you have cruise.

[schardein]

29 minutes ago, Phil Reinsch said:

This is helpful. In removing the instrument cluster bezel/upper instrument panel at least enough to disconnect the cable, couple questions:

1. I took out the top screws for the lower instrument panel - will that be enough or will I  end up taking that completely off too?

2. How do the tabs work for the upper instrument panel? 

    I don't want to break them, especially the one in the upper right corner. Maybe a shimmy tool?

    Hopefully the lower tabs just pull up and out.

If you are talking about removing the dash bezel, there are four screws.  Two above the instruments.  One above the headlight switch.  One above the cigarette lighter panel. When you remove the dash bezel, there is a tiny metal clip on the cigarette lighter panel that the dash bezel screw goes into.  It is easy to bump it, knock it off, and lose it.

[Phil Reinsch]

Got it.  Pretty sturdy tabs.

[Phil Reinsch]

No cruise control.  Now, would you recommend replacing just the cable or complete cable and sheath?

[Phil Reinsch]

Mission accomplished! Thanks for advice.  I removed upper dash and instrument cluster as there was no way to reach cable at back of speedometer from underneath. Not necessary to detach lower dash. Plastic tabs are sturdy, a putty knife and flathead allowed me to carefully pry loose. Unscrewed clock to move aside for room to reach.  Bought Pioneer replacement cable, 96 or so inches.  unexpectedly, the rubber firewall grommet that came with the cable was a pain to get seated.