One of the last projects I have to complete on my '73 is to replace the steering column/steering wheel with the correct style. Someone had replaced it with a 1980's steering column and wheel and it just doesn't look right. Works fine, just not right for the truck.

My question is, with limited mechanical experience (oil changes, tune ups...) is this something that I can tackle myself? Looking at the shop manual and the actual truck, it seems to be fairly straightforward with only a few bolts here and there and...

Or, am I opening myself up for one of those screaming in terror rides over a cliff when the steering doesn't work right...

 

Is the key in the column, if yes then its a 80's column. But I doubt it is, just had to ask. Yes its is pretty straight forward changing the whole thing if you need to.

Slip off the lower cover, loosen the 2 bolts, unplug wiring, unbolt shaft under hood right where it comes out of the firewall.

Sounds like you just need to change the steering wheel? Even easier to do. If you do need to change the column it might have different wiring in a 73-77 versus a 78/79 I think??

Might be a great time to go to a tilt? You have a book so you should be ok, a steering wheel puller (rent-able) makes it real easy.

I am originally from Rogers Arkansas BTW.

 

Thanks. I'm guessing it's from a later model because it has a plastic collar where it joins the dash instead of the metal painted plate that should be there. It may be from a late 70's model as no key in column. I have a steering column with the steering wheel and everything ready to go in, I just have to take out the old one and stick this one in. Thanks for the encouragement, looks like I have my weekend planned! Glad to hear from a fellow Arkansawyer.

 

Sounds like a '78-'79 column, should be an easy swap.

 

 

That is most definately a '78-'79 F series column. I prefer the older columns and auto shifters as well.