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I've replaced the front suspension on my 53F100 with a Mustang IFS and now plan to replace the steering column with a column shift (automatic 4L60e) unit. Thinking of one of those less expensive Jegs or Summitt units however I've been looking around for a Tech article how-to or forum posting of someone that's done it with some helpful advice. I have the engine and headers inplace a expect I'll be needing a 3 u-joint setup to snake around the headers...Anyone out there lend a hand ?
Just a word to the wise, you might do some research on who makes the columns for Summit and Jegs. I don't know, but there have been several reports here, over the years, from guys who have used the "off-brand" knock offs from various suppliers and have been disappointed in fit and function. Some could even be considered dangerous. You might think you're saving a buck, but you could be money and time ahead if you stepped up for one of the name brands. My 2c.
Don't scrimp on the column as that is the main link between you and the ditch. I just bought one from ididit but was not column shift and it was a good price I know that the column shift is a bit more expensive and as long as you are going that route you might check out the one that will collapse.
I agree . . . there are lots of horror stories out there about guys using cheap columns. Suggest that you look at Flaming River or Ididit. You will have a lot fewer problems.
Looks like an overwhelming caution to seriously look at the "knock off" columns. For those of you with experience having gone that route, or heard from others, I'd be curious to hear exactly what area(s) of the columns were sub-par or dangerous ?
As noted previously, do some research. A quick google search finds these web pages detailing all sorts of safety concerns. Some of the stuff dates back nearly 10 years. If you do a search on this site, you'll find more.
Hey Revamp,
Hmmmm….. We initially went with a knock off Ebay column. $250. It showed up and was just plastic with chrome
paint sprayed over it. We tried to install it but it just fell apart & all the plastic parts just were crap.
We went with an Ididit column on our second attempt... much better... everything was actually metal.
It's been working great for the last 28000 miles.
If you want to save money get the paintable Ididit column . Show us some pics when you get a
chance up there in Pampa.
Hey 52 Merc.. Thanks for directing us to these aftermarket steering column Lvvta sites.. This validates what you and others have said about these knockoffs. Sounds like Ididit and Flaming River columns are the ones for us to focus on unless we can find a suitable OEM column.
Here is the SS Flaming River 30" column with 2" drop. They have them with column shift also. Note that with all these replacement columns the steering wheels are smaller than stock. Steering efforts will be higher unless you add power steering particularly with wider, radial tires.
Steering column replacement
