can I use the column out of a 4speed 1984 F250 for my 1986 c6 auto F250.
my column is badly worn. U can twist the wheel for 45° without moving the steering shaft outa the box any little.
there has to be parts inside the column that are bad worn.
can I put my auto linkage in the 4speed column?

hardy

 

I have never tried it, but I doubt it. These columns have interlocks to lock the steering wheel from turning and the key from turning. The auto column is interlocked to the shifter lever coming out of the side, the manual column is interlocked with the button on the other side of the column. Totally different inside.

If you have both columns and want to tear both apart(nothing to lose) you can go ahead and see if the bad part will interchange, but I will tell you right now steering columns are not fun to work on.

 

I also don't see what could be bad inside to let the wheel turn 45°?
Do you have a tilt wheel by chance?
If so maybe the upper Ujoint went bad but I have never seen that happen before.
Al s o if the other column is not a tilt and yours is little if anything interchangeable.
Dave - - - -

 

2WD or 4WD, with or without a tilt wheel? Do both trucks have P/S?

 

Gary, Both are 4wd + P/S, w/o tilt wheel.
are there any "colapsing" parts in case of a crash inside, that can worn?

hardy

 

Usually a casting piece breaks, and the wheel flops around, but not much play while turning.

I had this same problem when I hired someone to change my steering box, they pulled the collapsible part of the column apart down in the engine compartment. The shaft has two flats on it called a "double D". There is a small leaf spring that slides up in there to take the play out, when they pulled it the spring when flying and they did not know any better. When I got the truck back with a brand new steering box, I had horrible play in the wheel. I got my wife to turn the wheel lightly using up all the play, and I could see the shaft turning in the column, but it was not turning the steering box.

I am not sure where you could get a new leaf spring if that is what is wrong. I was on vacation 1000 miles away from home, so I just jammed a piece of flattened brake line up in it, and then taped it so it would not fall out. I am ashamed to say, it's still in there like that and it has been at least 8 years ago now.

 

All 1980 and later F100/350/Bronco/Econoline have a collapsible steering column. 1979 and earlier like vehicles didn't have it (only passenger cars since 1968 have a collapsible steering column).

But what collapses is the upper steering shaft (3524 in pic). The lower steering shaft & coupler assy (3B676) does not.

Some of these parts in these pics will be specific to 2WD or 4WD

Upper pic: A/T with fixed wheel.

Lower pic: Floor shift (4 speed) with fixed wheel.

 

You will need to do a little more looking the system over for the play.
It looks like you have a rubber coupling 3A525 and also a closed Ujoint type flex part 3B676 that is part of the lower shaft assy.


Have I seen post of this flex joint having play and cant get the part any more?
Dave ----

 

The last time I looked at one of these 3A525's (it was a long time ago when Aunt Blabby was in high school), the disc itself was made of hard plastic (possibly nylon) that was the color of Vaseline.

 

It's not a coupling outside the column. I have unbolt the shaft between column and box.
grap the end of the steering shaft whith a plie and U can turn the wheel so much.
it has to be inside the column.
I think I has to look at that pushnpullsomethinglikethat.
maybe I find a little tube to....


CSI hardy

 

If the steering column has collapsed, you should be able to pull the steering wheel out, then push it back in.

I'm not familiar with how the collapsible column works on these trucks, but...

Originally on the cars (beginning in 1968), the collapsible column had an outer shroud surrounding the inner steering shaft, plastic pins tied both parts together.

When a persons chest hit the steering wheel, the pins broke, causing the column to collapse.

 

I bet the double d shaft is your problem. You can see in the diagram below, the female and male part go together and are called #3524. I don't see the leaf spring mine has inside it, I am suspicious of those objects in the picture below with part number 3E629, I don't know what they are.

Now if you have this other column, there might be the slightest chance that these parts might interchange on yours, or if you can figure out what takes the play out of this assembly, you can rob that from one column and put it in the other.