steering column replacement
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
steering column replacement
Good Morning- I recently purchased a salvage steering column online to replace the one in my 75 F100 2wd. I wasn't expecting it to come with a steering wheel, but it did and now I am wondering if it's the right one. My current set up is all original, complete with the huge steering wheel. The replacement one is black, and is somewhat smaller. It's a factory set up, it just looks slightly newer. The truck does not have cruise and neither does the replacement set up. Both set up's are consistent in that they are both auto transmission, no keyed ignition on column and look the same, just different steering wheel. I did notice a cut wire on the rag joint on the replacement column. Are these columns pretty universal? I would sure hate to pull the current one just to find out I have the incorrect one. Not to mention the pain it would be to return it if needed. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
I put a 79 tilt one in my 73 , smaller wheel which i like. Then i got an 80s model wheel which looks better yet and it all fit good. I never used the original rag joint i changed it to a safer stainless real Steering U-joint, never did like rag joints.__
__JIM
__JIM
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,247
Likes: 5,815
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
I believe there is a size difference in the main electrical plug between the years? If the replacement came out of a 73-76, you should be ok.
73-76 (?) is smaller and then 77 (?)-79 is bigger or it is the other way around?? Before you start pulling stuff out, just compare the plug size.
It is easy to swap put a older big steering wheel for a slightly smaller one. Remove the 2 phillips screws on the back side of the center horn pad and take the nut off and get a steering wheel puller and pop it off.
FYI there might be one solid wider spline difference along the years somewhere??
73-76 (?) is smaller and then 77 (?)-79 is bigger or it is the other way around?? Before you start pulling stuff out, just compare the plug size.
It is easy to swap put a older big steering wheel for a slightly smaller one. Remove the 2 phillips screws on the back side of the center horn pad and take the nut off and get a steering wheel puller and pop it off.
FYI there might be one solid wider spline difference along the years somewhere??
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
I believe there is a size difference in the main electrical plug between the years? If the replacement came out of a 73-76, you should be ok.
73-76 (?) is smaller and then 77 (?)-79 is bigger or it is the other way around?? Before you start pulling stuff out, just compare the plug size.
It is easy to swap put a older big steering wheel for a slightly smaller one. Remove the 2 phillips screws on the back side of the center horn pad and take the nut off and get a steering wheel puller and pop it off.
FYI there might be one solid wider spline difference along the years somewhere??
73-76 (?) is smaller and then 77 (?)-79 is bigger or it is the other way around?? Before you start pulling stuff out, just compare the plug size.
It is easy to swap put a older big steering wheel for a slightly smaller one. Remove the 2 phillips screws on the back side of the center horn pad and take the nut off and get a steering wheel puller and pop it off.
FYI there might be one solid wider spline difference along the years somewhere??
Jim Collins, when you changed to u-joints, was welding involved or parts that go on the spline?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
Fitment at the fire wall was a little different than the 73 but i had all the parts i needed. I used a 79 tilt and i don't know if they are the same as none tilt on the lower end . But there was no welding , i believe it was 3/4" shaft at 36 spline on column and gear box. Don't take my word for that check what you have. The joint is secured with set screws and a lock nut .The joint did move the column up in to the cab about 1/4" , the trim around the column still fit good. Where the column bolts under the dash the holes may be round or oval shaped , i have found them both ways. If round you may have to file them a little to get the bolts in.
If you use an 80 or newer steering wheel you may have to file a flat spot at the splines to get it to fit , i had to and not hard to do.
JIM
..
.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Johnny Be Cool
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Apr 1, 2015 04:28 PM
Circa Bellum
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Feb 22, 2011 07:58 PM
jkhaltom
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Feb 26, 2003 12:16 PM
