My build thread for swapping out dash to Laramie dash.

[Socalramfan]

The following is a build thread created to help others who might venture down this road.

As mentioned under ‘ what have you done to your Ram this week’, I started posting a few pics of a Leather Laramie Dash I scored from a 2017 Ram 2500 recently, along with the door cards.

Purpose: I wanted to go all black on the interior. Could have painted the various parts currently in place (diesel grey), but when the opportunity to came to get the full dash… I jumped on it.

Tools needed are very minimal.

I had to remove the dash from the 2500, so I that allowed me a great learning experience. I began to check out You tube University and gathered whatever info I could. There are a few good videos out there to get you going.

I take no responsibility if you screw it up. This is MY account of how I did it on my Ram.

 

[Socalramfan]

Today I literally cleaned all components from the 2500 donor dash. Not difficult, but time consuming.

I want all parts ready and prepped for when I pull out my dash and reinstall the new one.

 

[Socalramfan]

 

[Socalramfan]

While the protectants had time to soak in, I started to dismantle a few parts, such as the upper and lower glove boxes, speaker grills, side panels and kick panels.

 

[Socalramfan]

Spent the day removing all the other Gazillion screws from the dash assembly, as well as the remaining major parts.



Goal was to get the dash itself removed, so that tomorrow I can get and clean a few years of dusty etc, and re-organize some of the wiring.



mission accomplished



Yes…. I’ll be placing it up for sale

 

[Socalramfan]

Day 3 …….. Broke out the Metrovac, a few rags and got to cleaning the dust and dirt accumulated since 2011 Behind the dash and in the ducting etc.

First time the interior of the ducts actually got whipped down I’m sure On the inside. And to think, I’ve got the air filter mod. Can’t imagine all the crap I’d be inhaling without it.







Yuk!!!

 

[Socalramfan]

Day 3 Part 2…..

Decided to cleanup all previous wiring, get things better organized wiring wise etc.

Got out the soldering gun, heat shrink tube, and a lot of zip ties. Also Will label all wiring so in the future anyone working on it will be able to determine right away which wire runs what.

Will post pics tomorrow when that part gets completed.

Originally was shooting for installing the dash today, but my OCD took over

 

[Socalramfan]

Day 4…..

Finished up the electrical clean up. Routed several previous add-ons which seemed to be cleaner as well as accessible for future needs.

Goal was to get the dash in today. Success

Had a friend give me a hand as I wanted to be ultra careful not to scrape or scratch anything.

As a note…. Reconnect the Airbag connectors First. You won’t be able to reach them afterwards to do so.

I’ll be reassembling the rest in a few coming days when I get a chance. Gotta go to work some time

 

[HighShyGuy]

Looking good!

 

[RangerWeaver]

Any new updates? I'm interested is seeing how it turned out!

 

[Socalramfan]

Any new updates? I'm interested is seeing how it turned out!

Ironically, im just upload some pics now

 

[Socalramfan]

Day 5,6……

Had a chance today to fasten up a few items.

Started on the passenger side, and worked towards the left. Taking my time to make sure those Gazillion screws all get replaced. Certainly don’t want any ‘squeak or rattle‘ issues down the road

Making a list as I go for items that will need to be adjusted or modified to fit seamlessly.

In addition, I’m giving serious consideration to wrapping the center trim panel and console trim panel in Carbon Fiber.

Think it’s coming along pretty good



Possible Wrap candidates ….

 

[Socalramfan]

Here’s a list of items to get a bit more attention as the dash swap isn’t a 100% swap, without a few adjustments etc.

1. Trailer brake Control housing & trim panel

2. Instrument cluster trim bezel

3. Ignition switch surround

4. Radio mounting point

I’ll attach pics with each when I get a chance soon.

 

[PaleFlyer]

You're not upgrading to an 8.4 Uconnect while you have everything apart???

 

[Socalramfan]

No, wasn’t on the list.

Would really need to do a lot more research to see what would need to be changed / modified to do so. Not sure that I’d even be able to do so with a 2011.

After this mod, will have a serious bill from Core 4x4 planned

 

[Socalramfan]

Day 7…….

Ironing out the little details on various parts. Today addressed the Brake Control and bezel.

On a 2011 it is located on the lower left side just above the Parking Brake release lever. On a 2017, it’s intergraded in the center dash controls.

The opening is there for it to be installed, but needs to be modified via a dermal tool, to fit flush and also a mounting screw to be relocated. I’ll have to make adjustments to incorporate the bezel I have, and do so SLOWLY. Too much trimming….. and it’ll look like crap.

Think it was pretty successful



Brake controller with bezel positioned prior to adjustments. Not flush.




With some Dremel work, and mounting hole relocated…



Blind screw base plate installed……


Finish product, equal spacing all the way around and flush

 

[Socalramfan]

Day 8….

Played around with the Carbon Fiber wrap for the center bezel and console bezel.

Various pics showing the process. Paticence is the key to good results here. There was a bit of a learning curve with the various curves ( no pun), but fortunately the wrap used was very forgiving.

Still have the left center bezel to do, as well as iron out and little imperfections etc.

Will finish it up tomorrow…. Trick or Treaters‘ started to arrive.

 

[Socalramfan]

Day 9…..

Finished with the wrap, installed the air vents and did a test fit of everything hooked up.

A few minor adjustment and tweaking, but I gotta say I’m liking it. Might even wrap the trim on the other vents. Really changed the look and feel from previously.

Still up:

1. Trim instrument bezel and attach,

2. Adjust and align radio with center bezel. Needs slight upward adjustment to be flush.

3. Adjust mount for CB

At a later date, I’ll run wire and connect all the extra courtesy lighting I gained from the Laramie swap.

For now, I’m pretty pleased with the results. Definitely well worth it

 

[Jared Worley]

Looks better in black!

 

[Socalramfan]

Looks better in black!

I think so too