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steering Column, Wheel & Turn Signal wirering

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Old 12-05-2017, 09:22 PM
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steering Column, Wheel & Turn Signal wirering

74 Ford Ranger XLT AT
I am a bit confused on my next project and need some help. I want to replace the turn signal wireing in the column cause they dont cancel out after a turn. Everything works.
I just realized i have a 78-79 steering wheel on my truck and i am hoping that its just a 78 wheel on a 74 truck. Part numbers for the wireing are differant so i am asking.... Can anyone tell from the pictures if i still have the original 74 column or can you tell if the whole column has been replaced making me order a kit for that year.
The best i was able to do was look on the LMC website to try and match things up, but im still confused.
Of course the horn dont work!
 
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Old 12-05-2017, 11:05 PM
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I won't put any guarantees on it, but I say its a 73-77, but that just going off the gear indicator on the shift collar. If my 78 Bronco was an auto I'd take pictures and show the difference, but its a manual, so no gear indicator.
 
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Old 12-06-2017, 07:46 AM
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Hello,

I believe that the "72-77" AT columns have the neutral safety switch on the column about 6" from the fire wall. The "78-79" neutral safety switch is mounted on the transition behind the gear select linkage. ill find some pics.
 
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Old 12-06-2017, 07:53 AM
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Old 12-06-2017, 08:03 AM
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Now, the turn switch cam is possibly one of these two. I would suggest pulling the the steering wheel (mark location first) if you are doing the work yourself.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/r...iABEgL_e_D_BwE

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/r...4/applications
 
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Old 12-07-2017, 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 75BigBlock
I won't put any guarantees on it, but I say its a 73-77, but that just going off the gear indicator on the shift collar.
Steering wheel pictured in post #1: 1978/79 F100/350 & Bronco; 1978/86 Econoline.

NSS located on transmission / 1978/79: 3 different T/S switches: With Tilt Wheel; With A/T; With M/T
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1971/77 F100/350; 1974/77 Bronco; 1975/77 Econolines use a different steering wheel, horn pad and T/S switches.

NSS located on the bottom of the column / 3 different T/S switches: With Speed Control (1975/77 except Bronco); with A/T; with M/T

Pic (upper) of 1971/72 wheel (same as 1973/77). Notice the center section is basically straight across, while the 1978/79 wheel is curved downwards on both ends.

 
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Old 12-11-2017, 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by NumberDummy
Steering wheel pictured in post #1: 1978/79 F100/350 & Bronco; 1978/86 Econoline.
No need to be confused

In post #1 he states he already knows he has a 78/79 steering wheel, but questioned whether or not the column itself was a 78/79 column. I was saying that my guess, based solely on the gear indicator on the shift collar, was that it was a 73-77 column.

Here's a 78/79 gear shift indicator on a tilt column. Notice how the indicator is fairly flat and straight across.






Here's a 73-77 shift indicator on yours truly's '77 F100. Notice that it has more curve to it and follows the curve of the column.






Now compare those two to the OP's gear indicator on his column and you'll understand how I came to the conclusion that I did. I've been away for a week or I would have cleared that up sooner.
 
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Old 12-11-2017, 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by 75BigBlock
No need to be confused

In post #1 he states he already knows he has a 78/79 steering wheel, but questioned whether or not the column itself was a 78/79 column. I was saying that my guess, based solely on the gear indicator on the shift collar, was that it was a 73-77 column.

Here's a 78/79 gear shift indicator on a tilt column. Notice how the indicator is fairly flat and straight across.






Here's a 73-77 shift indicator on yours truly's '77 F100. Notice that it has more curve to it and follows the curve of the column.






Now compare those two to the OP's gear indicator on his column and you'll understand how I came to the conclusion that I did. I've been away for a week or I would have cleared that up sooner.
Just when i thought i was out, they pull me back in!!!!
Ok... what i mean is, i was all set to go ahead with ordering and rewiring when i read a post right here on FTE....
and it said.... if you put a 78-79 steering wheel on a 73-77 column, it will fit BUT the signals wont cancel out.... can that be true, is all i have to do is buy a correct year wheel and all is fixed with the signals?
Read this thread ... start at #14
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17645974
 
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Old 12-11-2017, 11:16 PM
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That was something I was thinking when I was looking at your pics and the gap on the wheel/column, that maybe the 78/79 canceling cam is different or in a different location. I know some aftermarket wheels can have issues with canceling the turn signals since they use a roll pin as a cancelling cam and if you don't get it lined up properly it may or may not cancel OR could even break the turn signal switch like yours already is, but that's a different issue anyway.

You know.. for scientific purposes.. I may go ahead and swap my steering wheels on my F100 and Bronco to see what happens. Of course, I'd have to put in my new signal switch on my F100 that's been sitting for months in order for it to self cancel anyway. How long are you willing to wait for a definitive answer? lol

What I'll do, for my own knowledge if nothing more, is take off both steering wheels and compare the splines/cams and whatnot to see if there's any differences. I'm sure someone out there already has or knows, but I'll try to get my own first hand knowledge, wouldn't hurt.
 
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Old 12-13-2017, 04:11 PM
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Sounds like you have sorted out the question of which column you have. What I'm wondering is why, in your initial post, you say you "want to replace the turn signal wireing in the column cause they dont cancel out after a turn." I don't see why you would replace wiring is going to solve that. Looking at your photo, it seems to me you have a lot of space between the wheel and the collar on that column. I wonder if that explains why the cam is not cancelling your turn signals and why the horn is not working. I suggest try pushing the wheel forward to close that gap, then try the turn signal cancelling and the horn. Could be your rag joint is shot and your turn cam is fine.
 
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Old 12-13-2017, 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Old Coyote
Sounds like you have sorted out the question of which column you have. What I'm wondering is why, in your initial post, you say you "want to replace the turn signal wireing in the column cause they dont cancel out after a turn." I don't see why you would replace wiring is going to solve that. Looking at your photo, it seems to me you have a lot of space between the wheel and the collar on that column. I wonder if that explains why the cam is not cancelling your turn signals and why the horn is not working. I suggest try pushing the wheel forward to close that gap, then try the turn signal cancelling and the horn. Could be your rag joint is shot and your turn cam is fine.
I wanted to replace the column wiring cause it came as a kit with the turn signal parts. I was thinking something either broke or was worn. After all the great help I am now buying a correct wheel for my year and I feel it will work and I won't have to redo the wiring. If not, I'll revive this post!
 
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Old 12-14-2017, 09:25 AM
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I see. OK, good luck with it.
 
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