Rebuilt Steering Column Sources?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
Rebuilt Steering Column Sources?
My steering column on my 1985 F150 (Tilt, cruise, AOD) has a lot of slop in it. The bearings are worn,the tilt is really loose and there is a lot of side-to-side play in it. I have searched and searched, but every column that I come across in the junkyard is either in the same shape as mine, or WORSE. Look, the 80-86 Ford trucks are getting old, right? The newest column is going to be at least 22 years old, so its not like they are easy to come by in great condition.
Anyway, since I have totally rebuilt my front suspension, (tie rod ends, all bushings, drag links, adjusting sleeves, and steering box and rag joint) I have decided to get a rebuilt steering column, or rebuild mine. No one in my area is any help; I have already tried. Can someone recommend a good source or company that does this? I only found one company online that rebuilds steering columns for Fords, and they are rather pricey. But hey, if I end up with a like new steering column, I think it will be worth it.
Any recommendations will be appreciated!
Anyway, since I have totally rebuilt my front suspension, (tie rod ends, all bushings, drag links, adjusting sleeves, and steering box and rag joint) I have decided to get a rebuilt steering column, or rebuild mine. No one in my area is any help; I have already tried. Can someone recommend a good source or company that does this? I only found one company online that rebuilds steering columns for Fords, and they are rather pricey. But hey, if I end up with a like new steering column, I think it will be worth it.
Any recommendations will be appreciated!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 0
From: Niceville, FL.
Maybe someone on this forum knows for sure but I think the 1987-'96 F-Series columns are the same except for trim pieces. And there could be others (including cars) that use the same tilt mechanism parts. I reworked mine using the best parts off mine + two others. You need to (1) completely remove the column from the vehicle and (2) have a copy of the Ford Light Truck Shop Manual, Vol. A Body, Chassis, Electrical on hand. It's a fairly complicated job.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 493
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, MN
You can go up to a '91 they are the same, I swapped in one from a '90 and the only difference is the bracket that bolts to the dash is different, but you can re-use the original one.
EDIT: Reread the post and realized you have a automatic, mine is a manual autos could be different, but should'nt be.
EDIT: Reread the post and realized you have a automatic, mine is a manual autos could be different, but should'nt be.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 14,941
Likes: 4
From: North of Normal
If you have a good relationship with the local Stealership you can get a exploded view of a tilt wheel and most if not all parts are still available. I use to have a exploded view in my gallery I don't know if it is still there.
I will look for my copy and if I find it I will go to the library to have it scanned and send it to you. I have had one apart there is not that many parts to it but it is a pita to get it all back together.
I will look for my copy and if I find it I will go to the library to have it scanned and send it to you. I have had one apart there is not that many parts to it but it is a pita to get it all back together.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 773
Likes: 10
My 84 tilt was about like yours when I got it. We replaced the pot metal collar ..that was cracked from using it as a grab bar...and generally tightened everything up...like new now..Only downside is the price of the collar..Seeems it was about $145.00...While it was apart we put a new turn signal cam in too...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 14
From: cape may county NJ
I just repaired mine and it wasn't hard and all it cost me was time. where the pins go thru the pot metal housing I was able to drill and tap two holes from the top of the inside flange and installed two set screws that when tightened down locked the pins that were loose and it removed all the slop in the tilt flange.
I wish I took pics as it is a easy thing to do if your flange's aren't cracked.
I wish I took pics as it is a easy thing to do if your flange's aren't cracked.
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