Steering column swap?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 71
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From: Warner Robins, GA
Steering column swap?
I've got a 72 f100, been converted to floor shift. I'm looking for a steering column I can pull from the yard and just bolt in and go.
I read somewhere about which columns will swap in but can't seem to find the link.
It currently has a very worn out stock automatic column in it. I considered a rebuild but can't find a reliable source to reassemble the column, plus the square bolts are a PITA, if you've done it you know what i mean.
Also the pin holding the automatic shifter will NOT come out.
Any ideas on a bolt is column or a link to that source? i've searched but keep coming up bust.
I read somewhere about which columns will swap in but can't seem to find the link.
It currently has a very worn out stock automatic column in it. I considered a rebuild but can't find a reliable source to reassemble the column, plus the square bolts are a PITA, if you've done it you know what i mean.
Also the pin holding the automatic shifter will NOT come out.
Any ideas on a bolt is column or a link to that source? i've searched but keep coming up bust.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 1
From: Barre Mass
Steering column up to 78 or 79 should be a direct bolt in. You have power steering and 2wd I assume. You will need to make an adapter or cut and splice as the harness. The connector is different. Also the emergency flasher is on the column, not on the dash.
Tuned
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 348
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From: NW LA
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1967/77: NSS located on the steering column, it's the same for all A/T's // 1978/79: NSS located on the left side of the transmission. C4 uses a different NSS than C6.
It's not a bolt in: All the columns are different lengths, depends on the year and whether the trucks have P/S or not.
1967/68, some 1969's have Bendix P/S. Some 1969's, 1970 and later have Ford/Saginaw P/S. Bendix column is a different length than Ford/Saginaw.
1971/77 steering wheel and horn pads are the same. 1978/79's use different steering wheels and horn pads.
It's not a bolt in: All the columns are different lengths, depends on the year and whether the trucks have P/S or not.
1967/68, some 1969's have Bendix P/S. Some 1969's, 1970 and later have Ford/Saginaw P/S. Bendix column is a different length than Ford/Saginaw.
1971/77 steering wheel and horn pads are the same. 1978/79's use different steering wheels and horn pads.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 71
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From: Warner Robins, GA
Appreciate the replies, Been stupid busy with work etc. trying to get back on the ford.
My truck is a 2wd and does have power steering.
The current column is an automatic column shift. But a previous owner moved it to floor shift and the upper column is worn and wiggly with an aftermarket steering wheel.
I'd like to repair/rebuild/replace it but the Ford parts diagram doesn't provide enough detail for me. I don't mind leaving it a floor shift and replacing the part of the upper column to get rid of the automatic lever.
However, with this column down for repair and time and money being what it is, it's currently stalled my project. Kinda need to be able to steer it, to move it around for repair work, etc.
I feel replacement is the best/safest choice, but i'm not sure which column would be the easiest/safest to swap in..
My truck is a 2wd and does have power steering.
The current column is an automatic column shift. But a previous owner moved it to floor shift and the upper column is worn and wiggly with an aftermarket steering wheel.
I'd like to repair/rebuild/replace it but the Ford parts diagram doesn't provide enough detail for me. I don't mind leaving it a floor shift and replacing the part of the upper column to get rid of the automatic lever.
However, with this column down for repair and time and money being what it is, it's currently stalled my project. Kinda need to be able to steer it, to move it around for repair work, etc.
I feel replacement is the best/safest choice, but i'm not sure which column would be the easiest/safest to swap in..
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 181
Likes: 18
I’m in the same boat as you right now. After research I’ve decided to just leave it as-is and deal with it later when i have time to figure out exactly what magical combination will work or convert it to an ididit column for around $1000.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
When I mocked up my steering I used a column out of a ‘76 and made all my linkages. When I went to put the wiring all together and actually looked at it closer. The emergency flasher was in the column plus I didn’t like the wires hanging out of the bottom. So I ended up taking the old one and the later year one and made the one in there now. My ‘69 column was a manual shift and I wanted to move it to the floor. I think it was DC that had a delete lever case for the shifter. The ‘76 column was an automatic and was quite shorter than my original. So I had to do some modifications to fit the column rod to fit the earlier housing. The mounting points to the dash had different lengths but ended up cutting done the 69 column at the bottom to match where I first mocked it up.
They are very easy to rebuild, the earlier column the wires are hidden and come out under the dash. There is two bearing with snap rings and that’s about the extent of the column. It’s the same bearing on both ends.
They are very easy to rebuild, the earlier column the wires are hidden and come out under the dash. There is two bearing with snap rings and that’s about the extent of the column. It’s the same bearing on both ends.
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