Question about 99-06 gauge clusters

[nucknoel89]

Hi all, I have a project planned for my 81 c10, and part of it involves swapping in a gauge cluster and column out of a 99-06 truck. I'm assuming the cluster operates off computer control? I'm also gonna be swapping in a 5.3 and 4l60e so I'll have the ECU if that's what it operates off of. I know there will be a decent amount of fab work for mounting the cluster and column but my priority is getting the cluster to work. Do I just need the ECU or is there something else I'm missing?

[nucknoel89]

OK so I posted this on FullSizeChevy forums as well.  One guy said I'd need a PCM and a body control module.  Do I need that if all I want is tach, speedo, oil, volts, coolant temp, and fuel?

[fitz]

  Just keep in mind if you are buying parts sight unseen that some of the 1999-2000 trucks are still the older 88-98 body style. My 2000 crew cab falls into that category. Sometimes it can be tough trying to figure out why GM does things the way that they do.
  I just don't want to see you end up with the wrong parts.
  Good luck with your project. 

[nucknoel89]

  Just keep in mind if you are buying parts sight unseen that some of the 1999-2000 trucks are still the older 88-98 body style. My 2000 crew cab falls into that category. Sometimes it can be tough trying to figure out why GM does things the way that they do.
  I just don't want to see you end up with the wrong parts.
  Good luck with your project. 

Thank you, I'll keep that in mind!

[VileZambonie]

Yes you'll need all of the inputs, the wiring harness, the PCM, the BCM and you will have issues with warning lamps unless you bypass them.

The standard instrument cluster contains a microprocessor. The instrument cluster micro processor communicates with other modules in the vehicle over the Class 2 serial data line. The information passed over the Class 2 serial data line, along with dedicated circuits to specific sensors and modules, provides the inputs which are used to operate all the gauges, indicators and the message center in the cluster. The instrument cluster continuously process class 2 serial data in order to determine the correct values and states to display.

When replacing instrument panel cluster assembly, federal law requires that the odometer reading of the replacement unit be set to register the same mileage as the prior odometer. If the same mileage cannot be set, the law requires that the replacement odometer be set at zero and a label be installed on the drivers door frame to show the previous odometer reading and the date of replacement.

The instrument cluster includes the following components:


Gauges
Indicators
Message center
Tachometer
Speedometer/Odometers
PRNDL

[VileZambonie]

BTW they had a bad run of gauge clusters up to 04

[nucknoel89]

Awesome!  Thanks for the info Vile, it was more than I expected!

[lucki17]

hey keep us posted on how it goes, im really interested in the steering column mostly, i need to change mine out at some point and was thinking those might be a little shorter to fit air bag and stuff. are you planning on doing this soon?

[nucknoel89]

hey keep us posted on how it goes, im really interested in the steering column mostly, i need to change mine out at some point and was thinking those might be a little shorter to fit air bag and stuff. are you planning on doing this soon?

Well the engine I'm hoping to get started on in about a month.  Once I get that working then I hope to be able to tackle the cluster and coulmn, though donations would help speed up the process  .  With the column I think the biggest challenge would be getting it mounted and maybe hooking up the column shift (if that's what you plan on using).  The wiring shouldn't be a big deal and you could probably use a U-joint or two to combine the steering shafts if the angle is different.  I've never done any of this kind of stuff before and I haven't been able to sit down and look at the columns side by side though so don't quote me on it.