Steering column for automatic 1970 Ford pickup

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 24, 2021 | 09:15 AM

subiej

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

Steering column for automatic 1970 Ford pickup

Hi all,
I'm kind of new to fixing trucks, so bear with my newbie-ness

I am in need of a new steering column for my 1970 Ford pickup 2wd with power steering. It's an automatic, and its gear selector has P, R, D, 1 and 2. I'm sorry I don't know the proper terminology for this! It's also a Camper Special, in case that matters.

I've checked the Marketplace here, as well as eBay, and am Googling around, but I'm wondering if there's something in particular I should be looking out for? My friend is planning to put it in (my linkage is totally worn out), but I'm worried I'm going to buy the wrong thing

Any advice would be so appreciated!
Thank you-
Susan

Jul 24, 2021 | 10:31 AM

1browski

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 2,257

Likes: 346

So you have a 1970 f250 with camper special and 360fe/c6? What is wrong with the steering column in your truck? Where is the linkage that runs from the shifter to the transmission worn out at? I replaced the bushing in my 70 f250 some years back that attaches the linkage to transmission.

Jul 24, 2021 | 10:43 AM

1browski

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 2,257

Likes: 346

Here is the bushing I used.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16156524

Jul 24, 2021 | 09:21 PM

subiej

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1browski

Here is the bushing I used.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16156524

Hi 1browski,

Thanks so much for your reply. I don't know where it is worn out, exactly– I'd have to ask my friend, who is working on it for me. But he is a mechanic who has been working on these Fords since he was a kid, and it seems like he tried just about everything before reluctantly admitting that it needed a new steering column... I will mention the bushing idea to him, just in case, though. Thank you!

So, this would be considered an F-250? It doesn't say that anywhere on the truck, but I definitely think it's bigger than a 150. I do feel like I was told the engine was over 400ccs when i bought it. Should probably know that.

Any thoughts on where you'd find a new steering column, if you needed one? Thanks again!

S

Jul 24, 2021 | 09:32 PM

chirkware

Tuned

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 301

Likes: 40

From: East Tennessee

The column will be a different length for manual steering vs power steering so make sure if you buy a different one you get the right thing. If you need the power steering one, it should come off a late 68 (with Saginaw pump) to 72. If you are using a stock steering wheel, there’s a minor mod to make for the 70 wheel to fit the 71-72 column (just a bit to cut off with a hacksaw).

To my knowledge, F100 vs F250, the columns are the same. Not sure about F350 but I believe they are too. 4wd steering setup is different than 2wd, but I *think* the columns themselves are still the same.

I don’t believe anyone reproduces exact replacement columns (most aftermarket are GM based), but there is a fellow in Alabama I believe who rebuilds our columns. Depending on how big a hurry you are in, you could probably ship him yours and have it redone, so you’d still have the original column when you are done. I could probably find his contact info if you are interested. I’ve never used him but he has a good reputation on the F100 Facebook groups I’m on.