So I have a 1971 F100 302 3 speed, (currently floor shifter) I the truck was upgraded to power steering before I bought it. I want to rebuild the column and here is what I'm wondering.
#1 Can I replace the flange on the column tube with one from a 4 speed? I think the ford part number is c3dz-3790 a?
#2 Can I shorten the the column? It has always seemed to be very close to the driver. There appears to be plenty of room between the dash and the steering wheel.



Sorry for the photo quality. Any thoughts or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Brian

 

What PS gearbox was used? If it was the Saginaw, that would probably explain why the column/wheel is so far into the cab. The Saginaw box would push the column about 2-3/8" more into the cab, towards the seat.

How to Shorten Your Manual-Steering Column - FORDification.com

 

I don't remember if the column for a Bendix box is shorter or longer than the one you have. If it's shorter maybe that is something you can adapt.
On the C3DZ3790A, I don't see why you couldn't use it if you're going to keep the floor shift. Here are the only two places that show it.

Premium Listings

Obsolete Reliable Parts

Part Number:C3DZ-3790-A
Seller:Obsolete Reliable Parts
Description:STEERING COLUMN TUBE FLANGE EXTENSION FOR FLOOR SHIFT
Phone (229) 686-5101
Price:Request PricingEmail:Send Seller Email Inquiry
Quantity:2
Location:Nashville, Georgia
Part Type:NOS


Mainer Ford
(Okarche, OK)No Returns On Obsolete Parts
QTY 1(405) 263-7242

 

I have the Saginaw

 

C3DZ-3790-A .. Steering Column Extension / Obsolete

Misc. applications: 1961/77 F100/350 w/a 4 speed / 1965/66 Mustang with A/T or M/T (all Mustang's have a floor shift).

 

Thanks Steve this is a good write up.

 

Thanks Jeff I have a request for a price from Rear Counter Parts Locator. They claim to know of 2. Looks like I found the same ones as you. Maybe I'll call them direct as you have supplied me with their phone

 

Thanks Bill you always have the numbers.

 

OK after reading the write up from fordifacation on how to shorten the steering column I pose another question. Since my column has a shift tube in it can I omit this component? Does it serve any other purpose like keeping wires away from the steering shaft itself?

 

You're welcome, sir.

Having the manual/3-on-the tree column coupled to a Saginaw PS gearbox would explain why the column protrudes so far into your cab.

If you had a Bendix PS box, it would couple up to your longer column without pushing it back --however, the Bendix design isn't as good as the later Saginaw design.

Shortening your column/steering shaft will help put the steering wheel back down to where it's supposed to be.

Once you trim it down, you may need to install the larger firewall seal and the shorter column support bracket on the engine side of the firewall.

My old '69 manual steering firewall seal on the left, PS column seal on the right (my tilt wheel column from a '78 F150).



Taller manual steering column support bracket on the left, shorter PS (for Saginaw gear box) column support bracket on the right.

 

Thanks Steve I value you input.

 

Just found this listing. Is it a reasonable price?
73 - 79 Ford Truck F150 power Steering Column OEM manaul shift | eBay

 

I think that is what I paid for a 78/79 A/T tilt column 3-4 years ago Brian. Never have installed it. I don't know if that answers your question. But there's a comparison for you. You'll have to mess with the T/S switch wiring a bit. Notice the hazard light's switch is integral to the Dent's T/S switch. Now if you could find a 78/79, tilt, and 4 speed column that would be kick azz!

 

Funny thing you mention that Jeff. Mine also has the hazard switch on the column suggesting the column is from a dentside. I figure it will be less money out of my pocket to shorten the existing column and replace the tube flange extension. I will be looking for a new steering wheel. I wonder if the one on my 94 bronco would fit the bill?

 

That steering wheel should have an air bag in it. And I don't know about the spline count.