steering column rebuild
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
What year is it? If a 1978/79: With or without a tilt wheel? 2WD or 4WD?
Tilt wheel operated by pushing the T/S handle forward.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Did you do a detailed write-up for it?
This forum could really use a detailed write-up on tilt column rebuilds.
I noticed you got the upper and lower parts of the column apart. How did you get them back together with that stoopidly heavy spring resisting your efforts?
This forum could really use a detailed write-up on tilt column rebuilds.
I noticed you got the upper and lower parts of the column apart. How did you get them back together with that stoopidly heavy spring resisting your efforts?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
1967/77: NSS switch located at the bottom of the steering column. 1978/79: NSS located on the left side of the transmission.
1965/77's also have a NSS selector lever, it clips onto the shift tube thru a hole is the steering column shroud, then its knife blade end pokes into the NSS
1971/77's use a different steering wheel and horn pads than 1978/79.
Here a pic (upper) from the 1964/72 truck parts catalog of the 1971/72 (same as 1973/77) steering wheel. Notice that the spoke is basically straight across.
But if the ends of the spoke are angled down at a 45 degree angle, the wheel is from a 1978/79.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Thanks numberdummy I was trying to find the year. It does have a nss switch that sticks through the shift tube, witch would leave me to believe it is 1965-77. This brings up another question, This is going in a 59 f100 and I will be rewiring the truck with an after market kit. Could I move the nss to a better spot?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
Thanks numberdummy I was trying to find the year. It does have a nss switch selector lever that sticks through the shift tube, witch would leave me to believe it is 1965-77. This brings up another question, This is going in a 59 f100 and I will be rewiring the truck with an after market kit. Could I move the nss to a better spot?
I don't know where there would be a better place to install a NSS on a 1959.
Pic: Example of a 1973 F100/350 2WD steering column. A/T specific parts shown at upper left and lower right.
Senior User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
If you are referring to the tilt spring it was tough but doable with two hands. Basically used a punch to align one side and muscle the other in a set the fastener.
If you are referring to the shift spring at the bottom of the column its quite easy just takes some time. I will say make sure to note how everything comes out. I tried to wind it and got the assembly wrong the first time.
All in all the complete teardown, paint, and rebuild took about 6 hours at a leisurely pace.
Senior User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Here is a link to guide I referenced. It is for a tilt column, but they are basically the same.
Link to Tilt Column Rebuild
Link to Tilt Column Rebuild
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 990
Likes: 109
From: Dallas, OR
In addition to the year, it would also know a bit more about what you are taking it apart for. This helps determine how much detail you need. We could write an entire long complete disassembly how to, only to discover you were only trying to swap the steering wheel. In the meanwhile, a quick forum search found this thread that pretty well covers the topic and even has a video. The video is of a Bronco, but give you the idea as most of it is identical steps.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...sassembly.html
Edit: just now saw the posts that appeared while I was typing and then deleting a long explanation only to realize it had been typed before. With a bumpside column, the video may or may not be helpful. I have never disassembled one of those.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...sassembly.html
Edit: just now saw the posts that appeared while I was typing and then deleting a long explanation only to realize it had been typed before. With a bumpside column, the video may or may not be helpful. I have never disassembled one of those.
Last edited by wyrm73; Apr 4, 2018 at 05:49 PM. Reason: Wrong year column
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Here is a link to guide I referenced. It is for a tilt column, but they are basically the same.
Link to Tilt Column Rebuild
Link to Tilt Column Rebuild
I'm not a weak guy, but I ain't no muscle head either. I couldn't get that spring to compress enough to get the column back together last time I tried. Hell, I even had my dad come over and try so that we had 4 hands to get everything together - still no luck.
All I know is that other guys have been quoted getting the column back together with zip ties. Haven't tried this method yet, but it sounds like it could work. Bit dangerous, but could work.
Senior User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
That large spring in the photos is the exact tilt column spring I'm referring to.
I'm not a weak guy, but I ain't no muscle head either. I couldn't get that spring to compress enough to get the column back together last time I tried. Hell, I even had my dad come over and try so that we had 4 hands to get everything together - still no luck.
All I know is that other guys have been quoted getting the column back together with zip ties. Haven't tried this method yet, but it sounds like it could work. Bit dangerous, but could work.
I'm not a weak guy, but I ain't no muscle head either. I couldn't get that spring to compress enough to get the column back together last time I tried. Hell, I even had my dad come over and try so that we had 4 hands to get everything together - still no luck.
All I know is that other guys have been quoted getting the column back together with zip ties. Haven't tried this method yet, but it sounds like it could work. Bit dangerous, but could work.
Guess its all technique I pulled it off on my kitchen table with just my hands so it can be done... Align one side and slide in a punch compress other side and insert another punch then rest.... Muster strength pinch one side together and remove punch while sliding the pin in...