Steering column swap help needed

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May 4, 2009 | 09:22 PM

drof46

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Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 998

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From: Benton, AR

Steering column swap help needed

I have a 66 now sitting on a 79 frame. Will the steering column from a 72 be the correct length for the 79 power steering gear box? Next question is now that I have the replacement column tore apart, how can I get the rubber boot off the bottom of the replacement column? The shaft is in good shape but the mounting plate that mounts on the inside of the cab is very rusted and I would like to replace it.

I will likely drill out the spot welds on both columns to remove the mounting brackets and interchange them so this may be another option to remove the rubber boot.

If I get fancy, has anyone purchased an Ididit column to go in a 65-66 with PS?

Thanks

May 4, 2009 | 10:03 PM

bigblockford_390

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Joined: Jul 2006

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From: East Helena MT

Quote:

Originally Posted by drof46

I had a 1972 column with matching power steering gear box in my 65. I have since swapped in a tilt steering column out of a 1979 F-150 and the only change I had to make was where it mounts to the fire wall as the mounting gasket needed to be trimed to fit. Other wise it bolted up just fine with no other changes so I do not see why you can not go the other way using a 72 column on the 79 frame. I also had to change the connector for the turn single wiring, but that only took an hour to figure out. I love having the tilt column to get the steering wheel out of my lap.

Good luck with the rest of your swap.

Jeff

May 5, 2009 | 04:42 AM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 24,552

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

drof, I don't think so, but can't see your parts. Where is the 79 column? You need it to match it's length. The PS column is a little under 2 1/2" shorter to make up for the difference on the gear itself. Remember the overall lengths are about the same, the connect point is moved closer to the firewall.

Opinion: I find my column to be uncomfortable to drive with, and would love for it to be maybe 3 inches shorter than it is currently to move my arms out further. My car wheel is out and away and I enjoy driving it more.

I keep thinking about some kind of seat armrest but have never gotten roundtoit. I'd love a bigger door arm rest too.

John

May 5, 2009 | 07:00 AM

drof46

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Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 998

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From: Benton, AR

Thanks for the comments. The replacement is about 2+ inches shorter than original. The 79 column was let go with the sheet metal without thinking, but I'm not a huge fan of that wiring visible on the top side either.

Anyone use an aftermarket yet?