steering column
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
steering column
I got a 1986 f250 dieseland it needs a new steering column, how hard is it to do? Also what truck can I get it out of? Can I use one thats out of a gasser or does it need to be from a diesel? Also can I use a column out of a truck after 1986 like from a 87? Thanks everybody, and hope to get started on my new project soon!
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Not sure if you can use a gas column or not, but I doubt if there is any difference. If anything would be different, it would be the ignition switch fo the glow plugs maybe? They are simple to install.
There is one bolt on the shaft in the engine compartment near the firewall, (5) 10mm screws on the inside firewall, (2) 17mm under the dash, and the ignition switch connector.
I would assume that anything from 80/86 F Series or Bronco would work, not sure about 87/91 but I think they are different. If you can't find any locally, I have 3 for sale. Two are automatic non tilt, and one is a manual with tilt. All with keys and ready to bolt in.
What's wrong with your's BTW?
There is one bolt on the shaft in the engine compartment near the firewall, (5) 10mm screws on the inside firewall, (2) 17mm under the dash, and the ignition switch connector.
I would assume that anything from 80/86 F Series or Bronco would work, not sure about 87/91 but I think they are different. If you can't find any locally, I have 3 for sale. Two are automatic non tilt, and one is a manual with tilt. All with keys and ready to bolt in.
What's wrong with your's BTW?
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
well in the one thats in it now, there is a little play in it and the ignition key is bad, I was wondering if just switching the whole column would be easier then fixing the play and ignition switch, Right now I gotta turn the key and use a push button to start it.
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Originally Posted by rmalottwtes30
well in the one thats in it now, there is a little play in it and the ignition key is bad, I was wondering if just switching the whole column would be easier then fixing the play and ignition switch, Right now I gotta turn the key and use a push button to start it.
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Those are both pretty easy fixes.
Most likely the cable for the indicator has snapped or it just came off, and it sounds like you just need to adjust the ignition switch.
It is mounted on the column with 2 nuts down towards the bottom on the top of the column. You just need to loosen the nuts and slide the switch away from the firewall up towards the wheel a little and try it. Move a little at a time.
Disconnect the battery first though, cause if you move it too far it will try and start on it's own. There is a rod that goes from the ignition cylinder down to the switch. It probably just isn't pushing the switch in far enough to engage the starter.
Most likely the cable for the indicator has snapped or it just came off, and it sounds like you just need to adjust the ignition switch.
It is mounted on the column with 2 nuts down towards the bottom on the top of the column. You just need to loosen the nuts and slide the switch away from the firewall up towards the wheel a little and try it. Move a little at a time.
Disconnect the battery first though, cause if you move it too far it will try and start on it's own. There is a rod that goes from the ignition cylinder down to the switch. It probably just isn't pushing the switch in far enough to engage the starter.
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Another way I've adjusted the switch is to hold the key in the start position with one hand, and then slide the switch forward until it bottoms out with the other hand.
Then just tighten it up. That will ensure that you're getting enough engagement on the switch. If it still doesn't work then your switch is probably bad and they are very easy to change.
Then just tighten it up. That will ensure that you're getting enough engagement on the switch. If it still doesn't work then your switch is probably bad and they are very easy to change.
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do they make a replacement for the gear indicator? So your thinking it jsut needs adjusted? although there i do have a new ignition key switch for it i might just go ahead and replace it. When I bought the truck the ignition switch didnt work so i not sure on whats wrong with it. He just said he had to use the key to get power and use the push button to get it started, you can use the key to turn it off just not get it cranked over. Thanks
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I've never replaced just the cable. I have a bunch of automatic instrument clusters, and I usually just change the whole unit. There are only 2 small screws that hold it into the cluster (once you take it out and get it apart).
I would try adjusting the switch first without replacing it. You could change the cylinder if you already have it, but I doubt that it'll make any difference. It only pushes the rod into the switch like I said before and you may end up with the same problem.
I would try adjusting the switch first without replacing it. You could change the cylinder if you already have it, but I doubt that it'll make any difference. It only pushes the rod into the switch like I said before and you may end up with the same problem.
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I have a gear indicator assembly from when I converted my truck to a 5spd. It's for a 3spd auto, C6. (P R N D 2 L ) If you need it, let me know, I can send you a pic if you want and it'll be dirt cheap. 
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From: Virginia
Originally Posted by rmalottwtes30
do they make a replacement for the gear indicator? So your thinking it jsut needs adjusted? although there i do have a new ignition key switch for it i might just go ahead and replace it. When I bought the truck the ignition switch didnt work so i not sure on whats wrong with it. He just said he had to use the key to get power and use the push button to get it started, you can use the key to turn it off just not get it cranked over. Thanks
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