difference in tilt columes?
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Elder User
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From: british columbia, canada
difference in tilt columes?
I was just at the wrecking yard and they have a nice tight unit for $80 cash. It is in a 79f250 2wd truck, will these work in the 4wd trucks as well. Its an auto colume, I don,t know if there ever was a manual tilt colume. I have a 79 f350 4wd, auto. Thanks I have to make up my mind quick.
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan
I was just at the wrecking yard and they have a nice tight unit for $80 cash. It is in a 79f250 2wd truck, will these work in the 4wd trucks as well. Its an auto colume, I don,t know if there ever was a manual tilt colume. I have a 79 f350 4wd, auto. Thanks I have to make up my mind quick.
1) length of the shifter arm
2) how the column connects to the steering box
Both of these items can be swapped with parts to fit the application you want.
Difference #1:
Yes there is a difference between 2WD and 4x4 columns. One of the easiest ways to tell is the shifter arm that controls which gear you're in (its the long bar that comes off of the bottom of the column and attaches to the transmission linkage).
IIRC, the 2WD version is significantly longer than the 4x4 version... I just did this swap on my own 4x4 truck. Used a tilt column from a 2WD Auto truck, but changed out some parts so it worked on the 4x4.
Difference #2:
"'78-'79 steering columns are the same for 2WD and 4WD. The steering box end of the shaft is splined and there is a yoke for a rag joint on 2WD installations or the short shaft with U-joint for 4WD. The steering column in this picture has the 2WD adapter installed."
Here's some more info from Fordification: How to Install a Tilt Steering Column - FORDification.com
I remember reading somewhere that a standard 4x4 tilt column being rare, but can't remember why.
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From: british columbia, canada
Thank you so much Aron 71. The wrecking yards only 10 minutes away, need to grab a few tools and get it. I don,t need it for anything right now but heck its only $80. Will post a pic when I have it.
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Bring some needle-nose pliers and flat-head screwdrivers with you.
The connection between the transmission and the column arm is extremely hard to get off sometimes. It's got a weird little nut/c-washer configuration that can be a PAIN.
When pulling the column out, I found it was easiest to disconnect the u-joint or in your case, rag joint (2WD tilt) first, then disconnect the connection at the transmission. Then deal with everything inside the cab, and slowly/gently pull it towards the seat once the last bolt is free.
Once it's pulled forward a bit, tilt the entire column out of the driver door towards the ground and keep spinning the column housing so the column arm connector (at the base of the column) clears the firewall hole.
Keep pulling gently as the column arm itself can get hung up on the brake lines or exhaust manifolds as it gets pulled through the firewall.
Should take about 30 minutes to pull it if you've got the right tools and lots of patience.
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Yes, they will fit in any dentside truck. A tilt column is considered an "upgrade" for most dentside owners.
I would recommend checking the 1974 wiring diagram to the year of the tilt column you end up purchasing. I believe there were subtle differences in either the colour combination of wiring or location of specific wires in the column electrical connector, or both.
IIRC, the wiring diagrams between 1973-1979 are not 100% the same. Might be worth your time to double check which wires go where inside the column just so you confirm things and don't end up "cooking" your harness. Just my $0.02 though, I could be wrong about there being differences between the years.
I would recommend checking the 1974 wiring diagram to the year of the tilt column you end up purchasing. I believe there were subtle differences in either the colour combination of wiring or location of specific wires in the column electrical connector, or both.
IIRC, the wiring diagrams between 1973-1979 are not 100% the same. Might be worth your time to double check which wires go where inside the column just so you confirm things and don't end up "cooking" your harness. Just my $0.02 though, I could be wrong about there being differences between the years.
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Ford Parts Specialist
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1973/77: The NSS (Neutral Safety Switch) is located on the steering column.
1978/79: The NSS is located on the transmission. C4 uses a different NSS than C6.
1978/79: The NSS is located on the transmission. C4 uses a different NSS than C6.
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I ended up having a helper hold the column housing while I struck the shifter rod with a punch. Whatever that shifter rod bushing is made out of, it's darn strong!
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