Dudes,

Anybody know where I can locate a automatic steering column which will qualify for original. I have a 1966 F100 Ford pickup. I really don't want to go with the new year models. I was told 66 to 79 will be good for replacement.

 

I run a 76 in mine and have a tilt to go in that I get around to one day. The auto column from 66 is for a C-O-M tranny and the shift pattern is different from the C6.

John

 

I have a '72 column in my '66, and it looks original. Bolted right up, wires and all.

 

If you have manual steering you will have a longer column that most of the newer trucks with PS. This is a junk yard part or you may be able to repair your old column by replacing the bearing race support at the bottom (this is where most have problems). If all you need are bearings, these are available.

 

John I don't think so. The indicator is different from the COM, but the shift pattern(position) is correct. I swapped the the plastic indictor from a '72 column into my original '65 and it looks/works perfect.

 

I agree with them all BP66, John & PROSTOCK,

67-72 is same style as 66. 69-72 will be correct length for newer type Saginaw style P/S, non P/S columns will all be the same length whether for an A/T or Manual. 73-79 is basically same size, function& fit with a non-tilt, P/S column but it is a different or later style.

FoMoCo columns have a selector lever detent at top of column where gear indicator quadrant or plastic indicator piece is. It makes selector lever need to be lifted to move into/ thru positions, but in any position, shifter lever at bottom moves nearly 90 deg's.

It doesn't matter if A/T has 3 forward gears with N in middle & Park - Rev'rse at top. P-R-N-D-2-L or P-R-N-D-2-1 or P-R-N-O-D-L
It's all the same with 60s & 70s FoMoCos. Manual valve detent is in valve body of A/T itself as far as I know.

That's why both John & BP66 end up with same performance using different style or year steering column/ shifter assemblies.As well as why all Prostock had to do was swap quadrant indicators.

FBp

 

Guys The 66 was not available for a C6, but a C-O-M only. I recall when I had the column out that the arm on the end of the column and the rod that connects to the tranny were different than the later column that connected to the C6.

I have a C6 power steering setup in my current truck. I pulled and sold the column, tranny and driveshaft as a complete set from another truck.

Did I miss something?

John

 

John,
No, since you upgraded your P/S you needed a later shorter style column. . . .

That be a 69-72 which is similar style(as in fashion/design) as the 66 was, or a 73-77 style(different look) same function and size, or 78-9 Tilt which req's slight mod to rag joint flange.

66 Col can be used but you must use C-6 shifter rod & mess with a lever @ trans.

So a 69-72 or 73-79 non tilt will bolt in & work with just the rod, plus the 69-72 looks like the 66 while a 73-9 doesn't.

Or for an early Armstrong/FoMoCo P/S or no P/S at all, with A/T, albeit COM or C6 you can use a 65-67 A/T column with a C6 rod & some lever flipping.

FBp

 

I would like to ask on this post instead of starting a new thread,
Would like some more info on the C-6 shifting rod and lever flipping explaining from FBp; I have a C-6 attach to I believe the orginial steering column in my 65 swb,There is P/S attach as well with a late 70's style pump, however I can't seem to adjust the shifting rod to aglined the drive indicator into "D", the Park & Reverse line up but it lands in the neutral "N" when actual I'm in drive. Do I need to find a shifting rod for a C-6 to have the proper aglinment?

Thanks;

Mitch

 

breablvd,

I have one out of a 1966 that had a V8 and a C O M, the neutral safety switch still worked when I replaced the column about 1 yr ago. I am in central Texas. Steering wheel is there also and the horn worked when I pulled it out. Let me know.

S

 

Mitch, When looking at the side of the C6 (front facing left) you will see the shifting arm. I'm sure there is much more detail to come, but the truck arm runs along the tranny/pan line, while some car trannys (not sure about all) will extend downwards and forwards at aprox. 45º. This is the problem that I have. The shifting is binding in my column and I can not get all the way to L, so I just use D only.

The flipping thing that Pete mentioned was the first that I had heard of that. Pete is very creditable with his knowlege, even though sometimes I wish he could simplify his answers, because they go over my head. I have a 220 volt system running on 110, so my lights are always dim.

I have the truck tranny part needed for the exchange, and my miles are approaching 30,000. I had wanted to change that part, the fluid as well as install my tilt column at the same time.

my 2 cents

John