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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 04:01 PM
  #1  
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Steering Column?

My truck is a '77 4x4 with an auto column, I went to floor shifter and the old column looks pretty bad with the shifter and gear selectors taken off. Will a '77 to '79 4x4 steering column from a standard shift swap in without problem? Is there any difference in diameter of the housing, meaning should I get the lower dash brace and cover from the donor? Thanks for the help.

I had a weak moment and contacted Flaming River for a nice polished column, sure enough they had one that would fit but the connector for the shaft is a GM, after spending enough for the F.R. steering shaft to fit a Ford I'm not going to start over.

John.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 04:09 PM
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Direct swap

The main difference in 77 to 78/79 steering columns was in the auto columns wiring for the NSS.

The standard trans has it's own wiring for NSS/BU lights.

 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 06:35 PM
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Thanks Dennis, I've got the NSS and reverse lights wired to the B&M floor shifter, otherwise are the standard shift columns identical in size (length and diameter) for the '77 to '79? I think I saw during a search you stated two wheeled drive columns would not fit the steering shaft, is that right also. Appreciate your help.

John.
 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 07:04 PM
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That wasn't me

4x4's have a steering shaft that joints the column to the box.

4x2's don't.


This is the 4 x 4 system

 

Last edited by Mil1ion; Sep 24, 2006 at 07:07 PM.
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 07:24 PM
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Just to be clear, a '77 to '79 4x4 manual transmission column will swap in without any further modification (same length, same diameter) as my current auto trans column?
 
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Old Sep 24, 2006 | 08:37 PM
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AFAIK, Yes.

The column itself may be a little smaller in diameter but lengthwise and splined shaftwise it should be the same.

Maybe get a confirmation from others first..just to be completely sure though.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2006 | 07:45 AM
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77460Ford,
What brand of floor shifter did you use? Any part numbers also would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2006 | 09:13 AM
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My '79 had its original column swapped for a pre '78 manual column when the tranny was changed from auto to manual. I just changed it over to a '79 tilt unit. Direct swap, no mods. The only difference is that the pre '78 columns are smaller in diameter so they use a different trim piece on the dash, and the horn setup is different, so the '78 and newer steering wheel doesn't work the horn(on the older columns). The '77 and older wheels will work, though. It might be possible to modify the newer wheel, not sure.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2006 | 07:54 PM
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4fords; I used the B&M Truck Megashifter, it's worked great for the 4 years I've used and abused it. Part No. 80680 http://www.bmracing.com/index.php?id...subcat=1&pid=9

Snowdog79; thank you for the tip on the diameter of the column. I'll make sure I get the trim ring to save myself any headache. I use an aftermarket steering wheel so at least that much is not a problem.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2006 | 09:23 PM
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I got a couple of 77 columns and a 78 that I've collected for my project. The NSS is on the column for 1977 and on the side of the transmission on the 78.
 
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