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1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
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Steering column swap?

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Old May 31, 2015 | 08:33 PM
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Steering column swap?

Drove my 73' for the first time today. The steering wheel is in bad shape, the gear indicator is broken. While these things may be simple fixes, I have a perfect column in my 78' parts truck. I know the steering column in my 78' is different then the one in my 73', but my question is what are the exact differences?
 
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Old May 31, 2015 | 09:05 PM
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I believe the difference is in the electrical connector that plugs together under the dash???

73-76 is one way and the 77-79 is the other or maybe at least a pin location difference or a difference in the plug design???
 
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Old Jun 6, 2015 | 12:23 PM
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This has become a bigger issue not that the steering column in the wife's 77' seems to be grinding for a lack of a better term.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2015 | 01:27 PM
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The grinding is more than likely worn bearings

Also is that 73 manual steering and the 78 power? Look to see if both use a rag joint
 
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Old Jun 6, 2015 | 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by dentsides
The grinding is more than likely worn bearings

Also is that 73 manual steering and the 78 power? Look to see if both use a rag joint
Both are power steering. Actually all my trucks are.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2015 | 04:23 PM
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I installed a 79 unit in my 75. Perfect fit. The only differences I recall were the reverse lockout and the firewall plate. None too difficult to overcome. If you have a day to do it, though, rebuilding the bearing section isn't that hard either.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2015 | 05:26 PM
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Yeah, I am thinking I may just give a rebuild a go.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2015 | 07:30 PM
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When I did mine, there was one step when everything had to line up to be put together. It will be nice if you have an extra set of hands.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2015 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by 84espy
When I did mine, there was one step when everything had to line up to be put together. It will be nice if you have an extra set of hands.
It's the wife's truck, she did most of the body swap, I think she can help me on this.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2015 | 09:52 PM
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NSS relocation and pins locations will need to be deciphered. Other than that was bolt in. I could easily come up with the 79 diagram but had to trace out the 73 wiring to see how pin location had to change. Pretty sure I have the new diagram for that swap. I have never found a 73 diagram that matched my truck's original harness colors.

78-79 tilt column into 73.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2015 | 11:05 PM
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Steering wheel and vinyl horn pads repro'd by Carpenter, same: 1971/77 F100/350 - 1973/77 Bronco - 1975/77 Econoline except 1975/77 F100/350 & Econoline with Speed Control.

1973/77: NSS located on steering column, same C4, C6 & FMX (1973/77 F350 300 I-6 only) / 1978/79: NSS located on transmission, C6 uses a different NSS than C4.

Carpenter has also repro'd the A/T shift indicator dial and if the plastic shift dial pointer has broken, Carpenter repro's it too.
 
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