I don't know if the back of the 04+ cluster is the same as the 95-03 ones.
but if it is, i can help you. Calibrating the needles

Also, a mod many of us have done here. The only difference from this How-To is the wiring, and there is a thread on that too.
OHC
06+ wiring

 

its not the same

 

Then i stand corrected.

I'll see what the shop key system says at work tomorrow.

 

it can't be much different though. i mean the trucks have basically been the same from 95+ with minor changes through the years lol

 

I'd assume so. I've never seen the back of an 04+ cluster. If i can find a picture in the system at work or at least an article about it. I can write it all down.

 

the bulbs are recessed deep in the cluster where as the older ones are right there on the surface and there are only 2 pigtails instead of 3. thats all i know though lol

 

Well. I bet in one of those pigtails is power to the separate needles.
Figure out which one goes to what pin and do the battery trick and that should work.

 

yeaa you lost me there!! lmfbo

 

In the back of your cluster, where the electrical connections get plugged in, Theres going to be a bunch of little metal pins sticking out that go into the cluster.
Once we figure out which wires supply the power to the different needles, you'll get two jumper wires, connect them to the negative and positive ends of a AA battery and watch the needle. It'll jump to a certain spot. Once you know where that spot is, you can take the needle off.
Then, sand the needles and paint them or whatever.
Then, put the needles back on in the position where they came off while the battery leads are connected again.

the alternate is to assemble the whole thing after the fact minus the clear cover, and while driving, use a GPS or something to find out your speed and physically move the needle to that speed on the cluster.

 

OHKAYY SOO I REALLY LIKE YOU!! you have completely dumbed EVERYTHING DOWN to the point a basic person (( like me)) doing their own **** can figure it out!! im absolutely in love!! lmfbo

but on another note.. i have the dumb orange needles can i sand those down nd paint them!?!?!?

 

OK, if I remember right the whole needle calibration thing is not that complicated... Take before pics with the truck on and off and make sure it lines up closely.

It's hard to describe but when you turn the needles... You can just "feel it"... It has a bit of resistance... Get it close to where it's supposed to be. Or maybe mine is just so close I can't tell if I messed it up, lol.

You kind of have to spin and pull to get them off, reference MotoUnplugged threads... Or use a fork.

 

The orange needles themselves are orange plastic molded. If you painted them white it might show through a bit.

 

"a bit"!?!? i think i should just but new ones!!

 

YOU GUYS ARE ALL SO HELPFUL!!

you guys have made it so much easier for me to even do myself!! ((just leave the soldering to my boyfriend!! :D))

 

heyy i did the LED mod on my HVAC!! wooohooooo!! :D

i still need to sand it a little bit more.. but i was too excited to wait.. i truly wont lie! :D