1976 full-time 4x4 auto w/neutral safety switch on the column. All of a sudden column shift lever has no connection to the bottom trans. linkage lever. Reviewing all the awesome info on this site I think it may be the shifter tube p/n 7212. I have pulled the steering wheel and the next layer with the turn signal and flasher controls. The turn signal switch needs to be replaced and the neutral safety switch actuator arm broke when the tube failed. At this point, should I shop for a new column or rebuild this one? Can I replace the shift tube without pulling the whole column out? If so, will someone outline the procedure, please.

THANKS!

Brent

 

Upgrade your truck to a 78\79 tilt column and steering wheel. It is a bolt in fit and is an easy upgrade. The biggest issues are the wiring harness colors are not the same although they are easy to sort out, then you must find a neutral safety switch for the 78\79(mounts on the transmission) or cut the outer tube and drill the inner tube to make the older neutral safety switch work. I cut and drilled my column.

 

Thanks for the advice Gary!

I have found the stock '76 is $175 - 78/79 non tilt $200 - 78/79 tilt $250

Is the 78/79 surely a bolt-in, no mechanical alterations needed? If so, I will get the tilt. Please, elaborate on the nss cut and drill, I like the idea of the nss on the column, easy accessibility. I am a bit leary of installing another column shifter, seems it may be a weak link. However, it's going in a 4x4 and the transfer case shifter is probably in the way of a floor shifter conversion, right?