I have a 1977 F150 4x4, automatic power steering. I want to change the column back to original, it currently has a 78 or 79 tilt column in it. I recently purchased a 4x4 auto column out of a 73- 75. 76 and 77 have the same column configuration as the earlier ones (73-75) but the firewall mounting bracket is the same as 78 and 79. Also the shifter linkage on the 78/79 setup has about a 2" offset in it where the column I purchased has a pretty well straight one. I do not know if the 77 is supposed to be offset or not. I would assume not seeing that the column itself is the older style. It also looks like the shaft out of the 73/75 may be longer, it is about 36 1/4" total length. My question is (finally) can I get a 2wd column out of a 76 or 77, remove the shaft and install the shaft from the 73/75 4x4 column into it. The 4x4 shaft has a spline that attaches the secondary (lower) shaft. The lower shaft in my truck is a one piece with a universal at one end and a rag joint on the other. Sorry this is so long winded, didn't want to leave anything out.

 

From the pics here:

http://www.fordification.com/library...geViewsIndex=1

It looks like '77 could have come with either column. There may be a serial number break for the columns. Mike or NumberDummy should be able to tell you more.

 

Thanks for the response. I am pretty sure someone has changed it out. It has the smaller steering wheel they used from 78 up. Hopefully someone knows if I can do the swap I'm asking about. The 4x4 shaft part number appears to be the same for the 73-75 and the 76-77. Just need to know if I can put it into a 77 2wd column. Can't find that year 4x4 column.

 

Now I am wondering if the 73-75 column I bought is from a 4x4 automatic with manual steering and I hear the manual steering shaft may be longer than the power steering shaft.

 

This is disappointing. I was sure someone would know something about this.

 

Not to sure on your question, maybe this will help figure it out?

 

Part 3524 (shaft) is the same part number for all configurations whether it be 2wd or 4wd.
First question:
I am asking if part 3524 for a 4wd with manual steering is longer than 3524 with power steering.
Second question:
can I remove 3524 with rag joint from a 2wd column and install 3524 (with the spline) from a 4wd into the 2wd column. I have access to a 77 2wd column with the correct firewall flange.
The shaft (3524) currently in my 77 4x4 truck (78 or 79) appears to be shorter that the column I purchased at the flea market which appears to be 73-75 based on the firewall flange configuration.

The column in the truck also has an offset shift linkage where the one I bought has a straight one.

Can I shorten the column and stick it in the 2wd column.

I am trying to put the correct configuration and steering wheel back in the truck but can't find a 77 4x4 automatic, power steering column.

 

1st ? - Don't know

Quote:

Second question:
can I remove 3524 with rag joint from a 2wd column and install 3524 (with the spline) from a 4wd into the 2wd column. I have access to a 77 2wd column with the correct firewall flange.

The 4WDs have a knuckle shaft & rag joint, whereas the 2WDs just have a rag joint.

This may help clarify some things for you sorry I don't have more answers for you ..
http://www.fordification.com/tech/tilt.htm

 

PM sent to mikeo0o0o0 he should have a better idea on this.

numberdummy PM option is turned off.....

 

Okay, here it goes.
First, the different columns do not use the same upper shaft (basic p/n 3524). The book shows 25 different p/n's for the 73-79 F series.
Second, on the 2WD there is a difference in length between power and manual steering columns. The power steering column is shorter.
Now, to get to the original question (I think):
My question is (finally) can I get a 2wd column out of a 76 or 77, remove the shaft and install the shaft from the 73/75 4x4 column into it.
Yes, if the 2WD column is for manual steering.
According to the parts catalog the steering column tube (basic p/n 3514) is the same part number for both of them.
Here's what it says.

Tube assy., steering column
Fits 74-77 from s/n U60,001
F100-350 w/ 2WD, A/T & Manual steering
D3TZ-3514-U

Fits 74-77 from s/n U60,001
F100-250 w/ 4WD and A/T
D3TZ-3514-U

Seeing as it's the same p/n for both, the parts should fit.
Hope this answers the OP's original question.

 

Thanks Mike, you the man!

 

Thanks Rich .

 

Thanks. Then I would assume that the power steering shaft for the 4x4 is also shorter than the manual steering shaft.

So based on your reply, I can swap the 4x4 parts into the 2wd column but may have to shorten the shaft if what I have is a manual steering shaft and what I need is a power steering shaft.

 

NO! That is incorrect. The 4WD uses power assisted steering which is manual steering that has a hydraulic ram to assist it. Plus the steering box is mounted well forward of where the 2WD box is mounted.
On 2WD the integral power steering box is "longer" than the manual box and, being as close to the steering column as it is, the column has to be shorter to compensate.
4WD columns are the same whether the truck is manual or power assist because the same steering box is used.

 

I roughly measured the column that is still in the truck and it seems to be about 2" shorter than the one I bought, The shifter linkage in the shorter column also has a 2" offset in it. The shifter linkage on the one I bought is straight. The shaft on the one I bought also sticks further out of the housing at the bottom.

The guy I bought it off of claimed it was a 73-75 4x4 auto column. He did not say whether it came out of a 150, 250 or a highboy.

I really appreciate your patience. Just trying to figure it out.