I recently purchased a 77 4x4 Ranger that some one else has already restored. It appears that they wanted a tilt column so they swapped in a 78 or 79 tilt column. When I first got the truck the column seemed to be a little loose at where it straps to the dash. I ended up putting a little shim behind it to tighten it up. I would like to return it to it's original configuration. I contacted Flashback F-100 and they indicated that the column for that truck was 76 and 77 only. If that is the case what is the difference between a 73-75 and how did they make the later column work. I am sure it is a later column because of the smaller wheel and the plastic collar where it fastens to the dash. Is it an electrical or mechanical difference. Can I make the 73-75 column work? I am having a hard time finding a 76 or 77 column for a 4x4 with automatic and power steering. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

I will jump in here with what I sort of understand, and FYI I am only talking 73-79 cause this is a 73-79 forum right?
From what I have read on here the 73-75 and 76-77 MAYBE have a different type/style/kind/shape plug on the main electrical connection to the rest of the harness?

And a more cone shaped shift collar on the bottom, the 78/79 is more square off or flat ended.
73-77 have the safety neutral switch on the underside of the column and 78/79 have it on the transmission. Wring difference maybe?

So I would say it is more electrical wiring than mechanical IMO. Might be a bigger difference in the steering wheel connection point under the hood?
You will have to get a 4x4 column maybe just the inside shaft to replace yours, there is a difference in that dept.

2wd use a rag joint, 4wd does not, it has a shaft and a small u joint then to steering box. The u joint wears out and you get some play in there.
Borgerson sales a nice complete replacement steering shaft for about $250, the u joint looks like it is not replaceable, but I seen just the u joint for sale in the aftermarket world.

PDF diagram shows pt # 11489 seems to work in a 73-77, 2wd and 76-77 4wd, and yes both diagrams are for a M/T, food for thought. I am sure some folks on here will trade you a none tilt column for a tilt one....we shall see. More advice is on the way, let them get some coffee in'm and get around. lol

 

Oops double tap habit and crappy internet...

 

1976/79 4WD's use a rag joint. See 3A525 in your 4WD pic and below at right.
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1973/75 F100/250 4WD: 3B676 lower steering shaft and coupler is multi-piece, including a replaceable u-joint (3815). Connects to the input shaft of the steering gear with a clamp and thru bolt.

1976/79 F100/250 4WD, 1979 F350 4WD: 3B676 lower steering shaft and coupler is a one piece assembly. Rag joint (3A525) bolts to its flange, then connects to input shaft of steering box.

1976/79 4WD: There are FIVE different types of these couplers. OP's "About Me" profile says 1977 F150.

So...this is correct for the OP's application: D6TZ-3B676-A .. Lower Steering Shaft & Coupler Assy ~ 1976/77 F100/150 4WD

1978/79: NSS located on the transmission / 1973/77: NSS located on steering column.

Left: Notice the differences of the 1973/75 F100/250 A/T 4WD 3B676 lower steering shaft & coupler when compared to...

Right: 1976/77 F100/250 A/T 4WD 3B676 one piece lower steering shaft & coupler assy.

 

Thanks Bill, keep me straight and please remember the majority of my help and input is based off my hands and eyes on experience. My input is right, wrong or otherwise an opinion or the way I understand it most of the time.

And a small amount added to that of what I read and remember off here. lol

I have never seen a rag joint on a 4x4 F250, only on a 4x4 F150 that I owned a few years ago. And the last time owned and worked on a 2wd it was 1983 and that truck was a 1973.

Thanks for more pics, and have a nice day. Was I correct on the wiring plug differences at least?

 

Thanks guys. Stupid question. What does the NSS look like and where in the column should it be. Is it possible that whoever installed the column has disabled it? is that possible? It looks like I am going to have to find a 76 or77 column. Can't use 73-75.