****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
DYI: perfect fit for my 1995 GMC K1500 (same as Chevy version).PART: Part same size/shape as original, with one exception. Main sleeve attached to gear was a metal/plastic combo on original, which I read and have experienced breaks easily due to both materials heating & cooling at different rates. New part is all plastic, which actually may prove an advantage and avoid this problem.INSTALL: Instructions provided vague, and trip to Dorman.com website did not help much. You see, this part is used a two different places on these pickups. MAKE CERTAIN to turn on key, then shut off all HVAC/fan controls, then remove key and REMOVE a battery cable (if you turn on HVAC/FAN during install, you will regret it (messes with alignment, and you will go nuts).1) MODE DAMPER (controls air to blow at floor/dash, defrost/combo). It's the one where your right foot is (just above and to the right of your throttle pedal). That one is easy - remove two bolts disconnect connector and off, reverse to install.2) TEMPERATURE DAMPER (controls mix of hot/cold air): Mine was of course this harder one, behind the ash tray part of the dash. For this, instructions say to "roll dash forward", which come to find out means take loose ENTIRE dash and move it forward to access.MUCH BETTER METHOD AVAILABLE. Simply remove glove compartment (open door, slide/remove cable on left side, squeeze-in back of glove box until it falls out toward you and lift whole assembly out (reverse to reinstall). Remove ashtray (open and squeeze-in back at sides). Now you have two open, but confined, access points to replace this damper part. You need a midget (small) socket set with 5/32 socket and long extension to remove the one bolt via ashtray. Next I used same socket and midget ratchet alone and remove second bolt, one click at a time. remember, I said SMALL access available. After skinning your knuckles, remove wire connector (pull tab on top/back up first to loosen). Now part comes out, and you question your sanity. Have patience, Grasshopper - go to your happy place. In my case, I had to make the sleeve match (the white plastic hollow hole at top of part's picture). New part was aligned differently, so simply took loose four screws and manually pulled out gear and turned until it's position matched the removed old part. IF you try part and it won't 'notch' into place, this is likely what you'll have to do as well. Once I did this, part 'notched' into place and I reinstalled bolts (tip----you may have to use tiny bit of tape to hold bolt in socket until you get it started in its hole). Finish by reinstalling ashtray, glovebox, and battery cable. Start vehicle, and check operation. Mine was golden, and trust yours will be, too.OVERALL: Part works great, price great, install saves hundreds in shop bills. Wonderful way to build character.
