steering column
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
steering column
I did a search for this and really couldn't find a clear cut answer. I'm still learning alot about these old trucks and still gathering many parts to complete my restoration. I found a nice tilt column out of a 78 2wd, and I thought It would interchange with my 77 F250 4x4. I am converting to the integrated Power steering, using a 78 F250 4x4 gear box and steering arm. At first glance, I was sure I could take the 2wd column flange mount off and attach my steering arm. Can I do this, or am I SOL with my nice tilt column I found? Thanks. And sorry if this is a repetitive topic.
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From: Murray
Good question,
I believe the columns were different lengths between 2wd and 4wd due to the differing types of steering ie..power steering vs. power assist vs. manual. If anything Id almost bet that the 4wd is longer.. if so, you might be able to gut the two of them..shorten the 4wd and mix and match till you get a full 2wd tilt.
-Chris
I believe the columns were different lengths between 2wd and 4wd due to the differing types of steering ie..power steering vs. power assist vs. manual. If anything Id almost bet that the 4wd is longer.. if so, you might be able to gut the two of them..shorten the 4wd and mix and match till you get a full 2wd tilt.
-Chris
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
On the 4X4's, the upper steering column shaft (3524) is different, as is the lower shaft (3B676) which includes the coupling and yoke. I didn't delve into the various steering boxes, but that'll most likely present problems too.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jan 7, 2007 at 03:38 AM.
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Post Fiend
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
This is what the end of the column looks like. I'm not sure about lengths, but I was thinking I could remove this flange and then I would be able to connect my steering rod from the gear box. Or do I have to completely change the entire end of the column? Hope these pics help.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ngcolumn-1.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...gcolumn2-2.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ngcolumn-1.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...gcolumn2-2.jpg
Last edited by bucks77ford; Jan 7, 2007 at 04:25 AM.
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
From the pictured diagrams in the Ford partsbook: The two columns are completely different, and parts from one (with a few exceptions) will not interchange with the other.
Hopefully someone will know how to do this.
Hopefully someone will know how to do this.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jan 7, 2007 at 05:26 AM.
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The tilt columns didn't come with non-removable coupler.
The splined couple was held on with a 12 point -7/16" or 12mm bolt
The 4x4 requires a couple shaft.
The 4x2 doesn't
as per this pic.
I already responded to another Tilt column thread with all the info and illustration.
Maybe look at that ?
The splined couple was held on with a 12 point -7/16" or 12mm bolt
The 4x4 requires a couple shaft.
The 4x2 doesn't
as per this pic.
I already responded to another Tilt column thread with all the info and illustration.
Maybe look at that ?
Last edited by Mil1ion; Jan 7, 2007 at 05:19 PM.
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Look closely at the very end of the steering shaft on the right side of both illustrations
78/79 NON-TILT column
78-79 TILT Column
78/79 NON-TILT column
78-79 TILT Column
Trending Topics
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Pictures hot off the press 
tilt column end .....notice absence of 12 point bolt to remove coupler (to show it does come off)
4x4 steering shaft for tilt column (notice 12 point bolt to be able to remove shaft from column)
78-79 4x4 steering column to steering shaft fitment.
tilt column end .....notice absence of 12 point bolt to remove coupler (to show it does come off)
4x4 steering shaft for tilt column (notice 12 point bolt to be able to remove shaft from column)
78-79 4x4 steering column to steering shaft fitment.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
Thanks alot for the info. 
Dennis, this picture you posted is a nice side view of the column I have.
But now, that looks different than the 4x2 column you pictured earlier.
Dennis, this picture you posted is a nice side view of the column I have.
But now, that looks different than the 4x2 column you pictured earlier.
Last edited by bucks77ford; Jan 7, 2007 at 08:23 PM.
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That's because it is 78-79 TILT column.
The pic in post #6 is of a 78 NON-TILT column
That was my point with the pics,
There is NO difference between 4x4 & 4x2 automatic shifter TILT columns
The difference is in how they hook up to the steering box.
I haven't restored that one yet......It's next.
The pic in post #6 is of a 78 NON-TILT column
That was my point with the pics,
There is NO difference between 4x4 & 4x2 automatic shifter TILT columns
The difference is in how they hook up to the steering box.
I haven't restored that one yet......It's next.
Last edited by Mil1ion; Jan 7, 2007 at 08:29 PM.
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by Mil1ion
That's because it is 78-79 TILT column.
The pic in post #6 is of a 78 NON-TILT column
That was my point with the pics,
There is NO difference between 4x4 & 4x2 automatic shifter TILT columns
The difference is in how they hook up to the steering box.
I haven't restored that one yet......It's next.
The pic in post #6 is of a 78 NON-TILT column
That was my point with the pics,
There is NO difference between 4x4 & 4x2 automatic shifter TILT columns
The difference is in how they hook up to the steering box.
I haven't restored that one yet......It's next.
The column he's using is a 1978 4X2 w/tilt wheel.
Dennis I spent over 30 minutes comparing part numbers between the NON tilt and TILT columns...and lengths of shafts and couplings. There are many different bits between the two tilt/non tilt columns.
However, what difference that would have if the entire column is switched, I can't say.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jan 7, 2007 at 09:11 PM.
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Post Fiend
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
The original column I have is a 77 non-tilt column hooked up the the Power Assist setup. Don't have a pic of it.
I'm changing the Power Assist to the newer integrated steering and using the gear box and shaft of a 78 F250 4x4. The ends of the columns both in the 78 F250 4x4 where I got the steering setup and the 78 F150 4x2 looked like the same end coming out of the cab. The 4x2 had the coupler while the 4x4 had the shaft. The 4x2 is a tilt, and the 4x4 column was not (at least I think it was a non-tilt). I thought it was an easy interchange until I was reading some posts and became confused, so I posted my question. I'm sure I would have found it by searching, but failed to.
BTW, my old column out of the 77 was for manual shift and I'm going with an automatic.
I'm changing the Power Assist to the newer integrated steering and using the gear box and shaft of a 78 F250 4x4. The ends of the columns both in the 78 F250 4x4 where I got the steering setup and the 78 F150 4x2 looked like the same end coming out of the cab. The 4x2 had the coupler while the 4x4 had the shaft. The 4x2 is a tilt, and the 4x4 column was not (at least I think it was a non-tilt). I thought it was an easy interchange until I was reading some posts and became confused, so I posted my question. I'm sure I would have found it by searching, but failed to.
BTW, my old column out of the 77 was for manual shift and I'm going with an automatic.