Is there any problem putting a '78 2wd tilt column into my '77 2wd. More to the point the wiring harness hook ups. Pop

 

I put a 79 tilt in my 73 a couple of years ago, don't remember any problems .

 

Just done some more searching. Seems there is a problem with the wiring set up. the end plug has to be reworked for turn signals, 4-ways, etc Jim did you have these issues? I jumped the gun on a tilt on e-bay before I looked at potential probs. pop

 

If your 77 column has the plastic collar where it meets the dash, there should be no problem at all.


If you have the older metal trim piece, someone else will have to answer.

 

I believe the key is in the column on a 79 and is in the dash in a 77. Just something to keep in mind if my memory is correct.
Rich

 

'77-earlier trucks with an automatic transmission will have the NSS mounted on top of the steering column, inside the cab, near the firewall.

'78-later trucks will have the NSS mounted to the side of the transmission.

I have a '78 F150 tilt column in my '69 F100. It should be even easier to install a '78/'79 tilt in a '73-'79 non-tilt Dentside truck.

 

I don't think the wiring will be the same but it's just a matter of deciphering which pin does what. I have never found a diagram that matched my 73 but it was nothing a test light and some length of wire couldn't help figure out.

IIRC I removed the steering wheel to get to the turn signal switch and ign switch and once I figured out the path I could draw up a pin diagram that told me what wire went where. Have your diagram handy.

Don't worry, it's really not that big of a deal.

 

I have a 77' and a 78' steering column outside, out of the trucks right now. Let me go out tomorrow during daylight and I will tell you the differences and get pics.

 

1979 keyswitch is still in the dash, all dentsides are.

 

The steering wheel changed in 78. so the 77 wheel might not fit.Plug is different and nss.

 

Okay, here is the verdict.

The plugs are the same, although one additional pin on the 78' is used. (There are two unused on the 77'). They are interchangeable as far as that goes.

The Neutral Saftey Switch is mounted to the 77' unit and has a plug to connect under dash. The 78' unit does not have this switch or the hole in the steering column it uses. Although I think it would be rather easy to cut the steering column and mount the switch.

There is a plastic cover on the 78' unit and the steering shaft is uncovered on the 77'.

For the record, the 77' and 73' units are identical. I will post pics when I am at my computer later on.

 

There may have been a small change in the plug i don't remember as its been awhile . It had to have been easy or i could have not done it as auto electrical i fail at. I used an AOD transmission and the start switch on it is built in to the trany , just had to make some wiring changes there and splice in to the correct wires. The column I used all of the plastic trim that came with it and i did away with the metal column cover trim that fastened to the dash. Mine was easy but other transmissions might mean more changes. The old 73 steering wheel would not cancel out the turn signals , i used an 80s one .

 

Thanks for the input gang. GM4WALLS looking forward to the pics. I learn from pics. The written instructions do nothing for me. Show me and I learn... read to me and I am a sack full of hair ***** !! lol Pops

 

The two plugs...

 

1977 column, notice the NSS and hole in steering column tube...