Cruise Control?
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
Blueovalfe, I still think you would be happier with a 78-79 set up. you would end up with the switches in the wheel, a lit up shift selector, and tilt steering if that's the column you find. I got the below info from fordification.com
The major change between the two era's of columns is the hazard light switch, which is on the column of the '78-79 column and on the dash or in the glovebox on the earlier trucks. The '78-'79 non-tilt column's wiring and harness is the same as the tilt version, except for the horn circuit. When you plug the column harness into the main harness, what was the horn circuit would now control the cruise control. The main control box for the cruise control is located inside the cab on the firewall. The horn would then (still going through the cruise control circuits) be operated through a relay which is attached to a dash brace behind the instrument panel.
In addition to the cruise control's control box, there is one for the brakes.
To add cruise control to your truck, and utilize the cruise features built into the column, there are several parts required:
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The major change between the two era's of columns is the hazard light switch, which is on the column of the '78-79 column and on the dash or in the glovebox on the earlier trucks. The '78-'79 non-tilt column's wiring and harness is the same as the tilt version, except for the horn circuit. When you plug the column harness into the main harness, what was the horn circuit would now control the cruise control. The main control box for the cruise control is located inside the cab on the firewall. The horn would then (still going through the cruise control circuits) be operated through a relay which is attached to a dash brace behind the instrument panel.
In addition to the cruise control's control box, there is one for the brakes.
To add cruise control to your truck, and utilize the cruise features built into the column, there are several parts required:
- the main cruise control box and wiring, both of which are under the dash
- the main underhood cruise control components, like the chain which links to the carburetor, vacuum pod and all necessary brackets
- the horn relay and harness
- the older-style brake light switch with the metal case, which mounts on the vacuum booster actuating rod
- the special brake light switch wiring harness
- the speedometer cable and speed sensor
- brake pedal assembly
- brake booster (FT-38 or FT-43)
- the harness for the vacuum actuation device
- the switch on the brake pedal which disconnects the cruise control (non-cruise trucks have the brake light switch mounted onto the side of the brake pedal, but will be substituted for the style that mounts on the vacuum booster pushrod. The cruise shutoff switch will then mount in it's place on the brake pedal)
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
I still think you would be happier with a 78-79 set up. you would end up with the switches in the wheel, a lit up shift selector, 
and tilt steering if that's the column you find.
The major change between the two era's of columns is the hazard light switch, which is on the column of the '78-79 column and on the dash or in the glovebox on the earlier trucks.
and tilt steering if that's the column you find.The major change between the two era's of columns is the hazard light switch, which is on the column of the '78-79 column and on the dash or in the glovebox on the earlier trucks.
1973 was the first year that the shift indicator dial lit up. 1975/77's with S/C: The switch is located in the horn pad. It's located in the horn pad of 1978/79's, but the wheel and pad are different than 1975/77's.
1973/77 F100/350 columns have different steering wheels, T/S switches, horn pads, shift collars than 1978/79's. 1973/77: NSS located on column. 1978/79: NSS located on transmission.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
You are correct as usual Numberdummy. I am new to this Forum and already caught the awesome job you do. I've been selling Ford parts since 1978 so I know all the work and research you put in to your answers.
There are those differences between the columns per the different generations. but swapping out the whole column and steering wheel as an assembly bolts in. As far as I've read needing only to play with the wiring a tad and the later model 3a525 steering coupler (rag joint). I have a 1979 tilt/cruise column I plan on putting in my 1968 f250 someday. Right now I have too much invested in the original column, Including 13341,3517,7b033,13a821, and a nos c7tz7a216a.
There are those differences between the columns per the different generations. but swapping out the whole column and steering wheel as an assembly bolts in. As far as I've read needing only to play with the wiring a tad and the later model 3a525 steering coupler (rag joint). I have a 1979 tilt/cruise column I plan on putting in my 1968 f250 someday. Right now I have too much invested in the original column, Including 13341,3517,7b033,13a821, and a nos c7tz7a216a.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
John
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 250
From: North Pole, Alaska
There's another way that's much simpler, a self contained 'throttle kit' (C4AZ-9B742-A) that FoMoCo offered for 60's cars/light trucks.
Bolts under the dash, has a cable that attaches to accelerator linkage, another that attaches to brake pedal.
When you reach a desired speed, pull the ****. When you step on the brake pedal, it disconnects the throttle.
Member contacted me, was aware of this kit, wanted one. I found it NOS, he installed it on his '70's High Boy.
Bolts under the dash, has a cable that attaches to accelerator linkage, another that attaches to brake pedal.
When you reach a desired speed, pull the ****. When you step on the brake pedal, it disconnects the throttle.
Member contacted me, was aware of this kit, wanted one. I found it NOS, he installed it on his '70's High Boy.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Know and went to school with some Days, but not Ronnie. I did a quick Facebook check and nothing there either.
Hope you have a great Easter.
John
Hope you have a great Easter.
John
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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John, check Inez Lambert Day, it's Ronnie's wife. I think he had a younger brother but not sure of his name, Fred maybe?
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From: Western Kentucky
You might check this link Dakota Digital makes a Cruise Control unit for any vehicle with cable driven speedometer, Cruise Control for Cable Driven Speedometers
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
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It comes in handy in places where the HRPT goes.