instrument panel lights are flickering and display window on the right-hand side has strange symbols?

This happens when the circuit board inside the instrument cluster goes bad which is common, you will need to get a rebuilt cluster just search google for a rebuilder in your area. Here is how you remove and replace the cluster have your VIN number ready.

Cannot get instrument cluster past steering wheel! How can I drop it enough to get it by? Also, I can't find any company that wheel fix the old one either.

You might need to get a used unit; can you tilt the wheel in one direction or the other to gain additional room?

I can tilt it down but still not enough room to clear it.

Remove the lower panel below the steering column and loosen the column mounting nuts. This will lower the column down enough to remove the cluster.