I expect that 1/8" stiff rod would work to make the hooks, but the MB hooks are MUCH thinner than that. They are very inexpensive and because they are so thin, they won't make marks on the dash pad when hooking out the cluster.

My speedo cable is not connected to the console and there is no provision for that. In the book they say to unclip the cable, but mine comes up just behind the gas pedal.

If you remove the speedo cable at the trans, it will allow the cluster to come out far enough to disconnect the cable at the cluster.

Yes, the instrument cluster is the unit in front of the steering wheel that is covered by a plastic lens the instrument panel is the cover over the top of the entire dash.

Good luck,