Steering column help!

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Jul 21, 2012 | 08:41 AM

polarisindymod

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Steering column help!

I have a 78 f150 4x4 custom. its a 300 I6 with a 4 speed. Anyway my original cab was rusted and dented beyond use. I pulled it off and found a good 76 i beleive cab to replace. this cab was off of a 2wd f150. I completely switched the intieriors. my 78 steering column, dash, everything from the 78 into the 76. Everything bolted up with out a problem. I got my cab set on the chassis. I bolted my back two bolts in for the cab and when i went to attach my steering, it was about an inch too short. it didn't reach the steering box. I used the 78 4x4 steering column and it bolted up fine. Why do you think this could be? Any advice would be greatly apprecaited

Jul 21, 2012 | 09:14 PM

grinnergetter

Cargo Master

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 3,365

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From: NW Indiana

I am not positive that all columns are the same length but are you sure the cab is located correctly?

Could be as simple as moving the cab forward a bit.

Jul 22, 2012 | 06:25 AM

ranger429

Logistics Pro

Joined: May 2003

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From: Northern Illinois

You do know that the steering shaft between the column and gear box slides in and out about 6" roughly right?

Jul 22, 2012 | 06:52 AM

polarisindymod

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Yes the cab is in the right spot. I've checked that 100 times haha and okay i did see that and was thinking that but wasn't sure. Mine is siezed good soo i'll have the free it up and then i'll be ready to go. Thanks for the help guys!

Jul 22, 2012 | 06:54 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by polarisindymod

I have a 78 f150 4x4 custom. its a 300 I6 with a 4 speed. Anyway my original cab was rusted and dented beyond use. I pulled it off and found a good 76 i believe cab to replace. this cab was off of a 2wd f150. I completely switched the intieriors. my 78 steering column, dash, everything from the 78 into the 76. Everything bolted up with out a problem. I got my cab set on the chassis. I bolted my back two bolts in for the cab and when i went to attach my steering, it was about an inch too short. it didn't reach the steering box. I used the 78 4x4 steering column and it bolted up fine.

Why do you think this could be?

You have a 1976 cab, but the steering columns used in 1976/77 are different than 1978/79. 2WD columns from any 1973/79 are not the same as 4WD columns.

Jul 22, 2012 | 08:29 PM

gpence

Elder User

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 842

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From: Palmyra

The 2wd column bolts into a 76/77 just fine I've got 78 tilts it of 2wd 78s in both my trucks. Mine are a 77 & a 76 both 4x4. Just take the rag joint off the 2wd column and then attach it to column shaft to the steering shaft and your good to go.