I need to replace the steering column in my 72 F100..The gear shift(auto) is broken on the inside..Looks like someone replaced it before using a car column...Just wonderin if this if ya just gotta unbolt it and pull it out? Or is there a trick to it? and will any 67-79 fit it? And finally Id like tilt wheel is that possible?

 

I know that there is a dirrerence between 2wd and 4wd columns.

Nathan

 

I have pulled and replaced steering columns on a 76 and a 69. Both 2wd. It's relatively easy. In 2wd, the length is an issue, the power steering columns are shorter than the non-power. May I suggest that while doing the job, that you replace the steering coupler between the gear and the column. I vastly improved the steering in my 69 w/0 power steering by putting a new coupler in. There are a couple of bolts holding a collar to the bottom of the dash. A half dozen or so bolts at the weather seal where the column goes through the floorboard. Perhaps another couple on the engine bay side of the firewall. And the bolts on the steering coupler. If you have column shift, (this is probably why you are replacing, the internals are broken right?) you will need to disconnect the shift rods. The bushings that hold the linkage in the hole can be pretty stubborn. Once everything is unbolted, and the wiring connectors unconnected at the base of the column by the pedals, you can pull the column through the floorboard and out. I swapped a 3-tree non power in my 76 for a auto/power. Later I had to replace the auto/power because the shift collar broke. I pulled my 69 non/power nonshifter to replace the steering coupler. I believe that any 67-79 would work for you although the 73-79 will look a little updated. There are some 78-79's with tilt if you can find them. Maybe somebody more familiar w/ older styles pre 67 could advise. If you go with another year than 72, you might need to alter your wiring coupling. I know that my 69 coupling looks different than my 76. This is not insurmountable. The little pins in the coupler can come out and be inserted into a different coupler as long as you know the proper orientation. Or you can buy a replacement turnsignal switch with fresh wiring. I put a new one in my 69 and it is like new.

BBT