What's the difference between a 70' and a 71' column?
 

I need a new chrome gear shifter for my dads 70' but I think his column was taken from a 71' truck because of the pointer on it. How can you tell the differences in columns?. Thanks

The difference is the shift indicator housing, 69-70 used metal 71-72 used plastic, also the pointers for the indicators were different but the mounting holes are the same.

The shifter arms are different too but I am not sure what the difference is

yup, the indicator and the pointer are all that's different. And the parts will swap one for the other.

Looks best if you swap the indicator and the pointer from the same era.

67-70 or 71-72.

The housing and pointer are plastic so I'm thinking it must be a 71'. I guess I'll buy a 71' gear shifter then. I just hate to buy the wrong part and have to send it back. Thanks guys.