steering column interchange
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 1
From: waco
Yes and no.
First of all lets discuss collum differences. All of them from 73 to 79 will physicaly bolt up in the same place. Except for the difference between power steering and non power steering. Make sure you get a collum that is the same type of steering as yours.
73 to 77...there was no tilt option. Also, the collums are skinnier and use a different type of trim piece for the dash. Another difference is they use a different collum to fire wall seal. I'm not sure about all 73 to 77 collums, but I put a 79 tilt collum in my 73. I had to take the turn signal plug apart and change the wires around for everything to work correctly.
So to sum it up: you need either a 78/79 collum, or you need a 73 to a 77 collum and trim piece. You will also need to take the collum to fire wall seal off of your current collum and put it on the older one. Best bet....find a 78/79 with tilt and cruise. It's a direct bolt up and will allow you to have a place to start upgrading on other options.
Let me know if there is anything else you need to know.
Doc
First of all lets discuss collum differences. All of them from 73 to 79 will physicaly bolt up in the same place. Except for the difference between power steering and non power steering. Make sure you get a collum that is the same type of steering as yours.
73 to 77...there was no tilt option. Also, the collums are skinnier and use a different type of trim piece for the dash. Another difference is they use a different collum to fire wall seal. I'm not sure about all 73 to 77 collums, but I put a 79 tilt collum in my 73. I had to take the turn signal plug apart and change the wires around for everything to work correctly.
So to sum it up: you need either a 78/79 collum, or you need a 73 to a 77 collum and trim piece. You will also need to take the collum to fire wall seal off of your current collum and put it on the older one. Best bet....find a 78/79 with tilt and cruise. It's a direct bolt up and will allow you to have a place to start upgrading on other options.
Let me know if there is anything else you need to know.
Doc
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 510
Likes: 4
Anything will work with mods.I put a 67 Comet column in my 79 f-150.I drilled the spotwelds and put the 2 bolt bracket to the dash on the Comet column.I also had to change the plug for the turn signal switch.My truck was a 4 spd. orig. and the Comet was sitting there behind the garage.I made a firewall seal and modified the plastic cover at the dash.With my column mounted tach,the trim doesn't show.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 1
From: waco
2020, Is right...if you take your time some realy cool mods can be made to these old collums. We used to have a super knowlegable use here called Hawkrod. He made a 73 to 77 skinny collum, in to a tilting collum using parts, I think, from a Thinder bird. I saw a picture of a collum like that, it is pretty cool.
Doc
Doc
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sunny Florida
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From: Stanton,Ne
The 4x4 and 4x2 columns are different and will not interchange. Also while you have the column out check the rag joint between the column and steering sector out to make sure its good. The only problem I had was a difference in the size of the studs on the column but as long as you have the right size nuts you'll be alright.