Is there an easy way to drop the dash as one unit?

[mankypro]

I have an 1984 and I want to put some sound insulation up on the firewall behind the dash. I cannot find in any of my manuals how to drop the dash - or even if it's possible.

I'm sure some of you have probably done this. Any ideas? All I need is some clearance to get some peel-n-seal up on the firewall on the inside of the cab.

 

[Agnem]

I have two cabs that are pretty far torn down. I can take some pics if you want.

 

[mankypro]

Since you've done it, how involved is it? How many hours do we think it might be? Does it come down in major pieces or is it a fiasco?

I have two cabs that are pretty far torn down. I can take some pics if you want.

 

[Dsl_Dog_Treat]

Pulling them apart isn't too big of a deal. Couple of screws at the defroster vents, couple under the dash along the kick panels and under the ashtray. Gotta get the instrument cluster out of there and drop the steering column.
Should be able to have it on the ground in an hour or so. but the big kicker is gonna be the wire harnesses that go thru the firewall. Won't be much stretch to get the dash far enough back to throw up some blankie material.

 

[Agnem]

Kinda my thought. The wiring is woven in there pretty good.

 

[Devilish]

The top part of the dash comes off real easy and only takes like 5 or 10 minutes. maybe pulling that off will give you some decent access or a better view of what you are trying to get done? Also you don't need the top if you gotta drive the truck

 

[towcat]

that generation dash is the biggest PITA to pull apart. like others said, the wiring is woven into the plastic. 87-91 is the easiest to pull apart. 92-97 isn't as bad but you have the framing for the airbag column to deal with. imho, if you really don't have to do it on a 80-86 chassis, don't go there. I intentionally strip out harnesses on these trucks if they aren't burned up.
the first pic is a 92-97 cab the 2nd and 3rd is a 80-86 with a "volunteer" pulling out the HVAC ductwork.

 

[mankypro]

Maybe I'll just loosen up the top of the ash and see what I can finagle that way. I'm going to be replacing the rugs so I figure I'm putting mat down on the floor, up as high as I can behind the rugs, the doors and the headliner. The firewall may have to wait or I can cut smaller pieces and try to fit them in.