Gear Shifter Steering Column Gap
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 121
Likes: 30
Gear Shifter Steering Column Gap
In trying to determine what is wrong with the horn on my '61 F100, I've figured out that - other than not looking good - the large gap between the steering wheel and the shifter is part of the problem as the spring contact on the column isn't touching the steering wheel (see pics below). My question is, to close the gap, do I simply loosen the bolts holding the column to the dash and move the column up, or will that cause problems with the shifter not engaging gears? The steering wheel is as far onto the splines as it can go, so the issue isn't there.
For bonus points: were the shifter housing and shifter originally black like the column? I'd have thought ivory like the wheel, but there's no evidence of that on my truck.
Any constructive comments appreciated.
Cam
For bonus points: were the shifter housing and shifter originally black like the column? I'd have thought ivory like the wheel, but there's no evidence of that on my truck.
Any constructive comments appreciated.
Cam
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 138
From: tucson
On my trucks and all that I've seen,(not all that many lol), the column matches the wheel. I would guess that your column has been replaced.
One thing that will affect the gap is the condition of your cab supports. If the rubber is squashed and the supports are rusted and collapsing than you can get that effect. If those are good, I would try loosening the dash attachment bolts and the the clamps on the engine side and see if you can move the column.
john
One thing that will affect the gap is the condition of your cab supports. If the rubber is squashed and the supports are rusted and collapsing than you can get that effect. If those are good, I would try loosening the dash attachment bolts and the the clamps on the engine side and see if you can move the column.
john
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 442
Early 60's columns have a flange on the bottom of the column that bolts to the firewall and is not adjustable up or down. The shaft goes into the steering box (one complete unit). Prognosis; cab is collapsing into the frame (rust repair needed). Parts are available but skill is needed. What do the areas were talking about look like?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
1961/64 F100/250 2WD steering column is essentially the same, the steering shaft goes directly into the steering gear box.
1961/62 has a T/S cancelling plate not used 1963/64, 1961/62 T/S switch is also different than 1963/64.
Same 3 spoke 17" diameter steering wheel: 1960/63 Falcon/Comet; 1961/66 F100/250 2WD; 1966 F100 4WD; 1966/73 Bronco; 1967/70 F100/250 2WD/4WD; 1969/70 F350.
1961/62 has a T/S cancelling plate not used 1963/64, 1961/62 T/S switch is also different than 1963/64.
Same 3 spoke 17" diameter steering wheel: 1960/63 Falcon/Comet; 1961/66 F100/250 2WD; 1966 F100 4WD; 1966/73 Bronco; 1967/70 F100/250 2WD/4WD; 1969/70 F350.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,543
Likes: 285
From: Billings Montana
In some trucks there is some adjustability to pull the column up to the wheel. Loosen the strap that holds the column to the bracket bolted to the bottom of the dash. See if you can pull up on the column to the wheel and tighten the straps. The spring under the wheel tends to push the column down. This may take 2 people. 1 to hold the column up and the other to tighten the 2 bolts on the strap. I had the same issue on my 64 when I put it back together. Worked for me
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