Steering Column Swap Question
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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Steering Column Swap Question
Has anyone heard of swapping out your steering column with one out of an LTD? If so, is it a direct bolt-on swap? Was thinking about putting tilt steering in as a nice feature. Has anyone had experience with this? Thanks in advance.
DD
DD
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Doesn't make any difference what year the LTD is, its steering column is completely different.
You can swap in a 1978/79 F100/350 tilt column...as long as your truck doesn't have a 3 M/T. But it's not a direct swap.
All the tilt related parts are obsolete, so that's something to consider. No one has any of the tilt's locking lever NOS and by now most are worn out.
You can swap in a 1978/79 F100/350 tilt column...as long as your truck doesn't have a 3 M/T. But it's not a direct swap.
All the tilt related parts are obsolete, so that's something to consider. No one has any of the tilt's locking lever NOS and by now most are worn out.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Not to disagree with Mr. Wilson, I do believe the column is one of the more adaptable parts in a vehicle. You have companies like Idoneit & others selling aftermarket columns for years. I pulled and tore down a tilt van column that is much longer, the wheel, the outside of the column is very similar, the wiring is different, but with careful measuring and welding it can be shortened. The shaft is the part that has to reach the horn button and rag joint.
Measure 3-4 times before you do anything, be aware of ign. key location and size, but it might be do-able.
John
Measure 3-4 times before you do anything, be aware of ign. key location and size, but it might be do-able.
John
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Phoenix, Az.
2X Bill. And also incorporated in that NSS is the back-up lamps. Since the later model columns have no NSS they have no back-up lamp switch.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Might not be a good thing to say here, but I didn't use the NSS, so it's sitting down there on the column collecting dust looking purdy. 
The starter will engage regardless of where the tranny shifter is.
John
The starter will engage regardless of where the tranny shifter is.
John
Hotshot
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From: Phoenix, Az.
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Fleet Owner
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My truck can be bought but not borrowed.
John
John
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Don't remember what years but some of the older fords have the tilt control combined into the turn signal. I agreed with john, when I did my tilt I found out the shift tube from our old trucks will fit on a tilt head. 80's tilt columns can be re-matched and configured many ways.
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