Actually, the cluster will break down into two parts rather easily. The clear lens and the plastic part w/ the gauge cutouts are one piece. It clips together with the rear (that has all circuitry and the gauge faces).

I am currently running the front of my denali cluster, over the back of my stock cluster. I like the look of the denali plastic front.

 

You do not have to split the clear plastic from the gauge trim in order to install a white face gauge kit. The clear plastic and gauge trim are glued together and come off the cluster. It's about a 10 minute job to get the cluster out. Be sure to mark the needle position with the key on and then key off. Swap the top gauge place and reinstall the needles. Easy - you can do it, just take your time. I split the clear plastic from the black trim because I painted the trim around the gauges. And your right I crack the first one I did, only a $15.00 part.