u/MintyTheHippo

Headlight replacements - recommendations or things to avoid?

1995 Kingcab v6 4x4 5pd

Wondering if anyone here has done a headlight upgrade for any hardbody between 1995-1997 and has a recommended product they swear by? Things I find online vary and it says a 5x7 or 7x6 would fit - but I am skeptical.

Just trying to find something were I can see more than 10ft in front of me

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u/MintyTheHippo — 5 days ago

Dash back lights not working - advice needed

I have a 1995 Hardbody 4x4 kingcab V6 5spd.

Noticed a few bulbs out on the dash while driving at night - bought new bulbs, did the swap, hooked everything back up - same bulbs were out.

I'm wondering if the blue membrane on the back of this is shot or if I'm missing specific screws because it looks like it.

Other two photos the items circled in red bulbs that work - everything else doesn't light up at all on the cluster (just backlighting)

For those more knowledgeable, does the back of this look okay or am I missing specific screws that drive power to other spots? Can I Even replace the blue membrane on the back of this gauge cluster?

UPDATE: Thanks to those who commented, your comments did help a ton while trying to trouble shoot this!

1. Polarity matters as I am upgrading to a brighter LED set up
2. twisty bits had brass tabs that weren't angled enough to have enough pressure to ensure good contact. After minor tweaks - it's all good :)

u/MintyTheHippo — 7 days ago

Mystery wire identification help

Hey folks,

I recently replaced my negative battery wire and came across this unhooked mystery wire that attaches to a sensor/clip. I did try to see if it fit onto the negative battery block bolt, but the eye connection is too small.

I'm at a loss here.

Red circles in pics highlight the clip location and the wire connection.

This is on a 1995 V6 (vg30e) kingcab 4x4 5spd, passenger side, below/under the fuel filter. (I think?)

Note: The truck still turns over and runs so I'm not sure how critical this is to be plugged in or not.

u/MintyTheHippo — 1 month ago

Intermittent starting issue - need some help

Howdy folks,

I have a 1995 King Cab VG30E (V6) 5sp 4x4.

I am facing an issue with it not starting intermittently.

I turn the key, accessorys power up, I wait 15-30 seconds for the dings to go away and oil pressure light to turn off so I know things are primed and ready to go.

Go to turn the key and sometimes it starts right up no issues, while other times I get a single click.

NOW HERE IS THE CONFUSING PART:

  • Battery replaced 04/2025 (previous owner)
  • Starter replaced 05/2025 (previous owner)
    • Stated there was an oil splash that was killing the starter, but I have yet to find an oil leak - so I am skeptical.
  • Replaced all fuses (not relays) in 03/2026 (edited from 3036**)
  • Replaced AC/Heat blower motor in 03/2026
  • Ordered a new ignition starter switch 0n 6/14/2026
    • installed it yesterday and it turned over no problemo!
    • Today, go to start it and it wouldn't even kick over!
    • checked the connection, checked the battery - accessories would be powered on but no starting!
    • Reinstalled original ignition starter switch, BAM - starts right up
    • Reinstalled replacement ignition starter switch - accessories only no start
    • Reinstalled original ignition start switch - starts right up
    • Let it sit for roughly an hour or two - turn key 3x no start, 4th time starts.

I am at a loss - could it be my neutral safety switch on the clutch? Should I replace the ignition relay? My ground cable is a bit beat up, could it be that?

Is there anything I am missing here? It's so intermittent it's hard to track down. And I did read the codes - I get the terrible Code 34 (knock sensor) without a check engine light - but don't think that would cause an electrical/start issue.

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u/MintyTheHippo — 2 months ago