Steering column rebuild question
 

I'm about ready to install the column in my 78 GMC. While its still out I would like to deal with anything that is likely worn. It is a non-tilt column and I've got a 4-speed floor shift so this is a pretty basic column. I know that I want to replace the rubber boot on the steering coupler as well as the rag joint. I haven't had a chance to drive the truck enough to know whether there were other problems or not.

What would you replace while you were at it? Anyone with a good link to a column rebuild?

Thanks

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

ignition and safety neutral switches

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

Thanks Chris. Is there actually a neutral safety switch in the column for manual transmission?

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

I am not sure how it works, but it may be hooked up to the clutch. Good luck. I took a 1977 straight, a 1979 straight - damaged, and a 1979 tilt - damaged, and combined to make a 1979 tilt. wow what a challenge.

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

No, the manual transmission columns don't have a neutral safety switch. Instead, there is a clutch safety switch mounted on the pedal hanger bracket.

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

So the ignition switch is the main thing to take care of while the column is out. Thanks for the suggestions.

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

It's difficult, if not impossible, to adjust the switch once the column is bolted to the dash. GM did this intentionally to reduce the chances of theft. So be sure to check switch operation first.

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

Good luck trying to find the coupler boot. I couldn't find one at all.

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

I'd also clean and lube the top and bottom bearings. The grease tends to dry out over the years.

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

Searching around, I found this link http://www.quadratec.com/products/918018_02.htm provided by member raggedjim that is supposed to be a usable replacement. I've ordered one, so I hope he's right.

Thanks for the additional suggestions MikeB.

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

Let's us know how that boot works out. I had 2 intermediate shafts one with a good boot and one with a bad boot. So I just swapped the boots around.

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

thought I would post this
pretty good write up


http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ck_Rebuild.pdf

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

Anyone know whether our gen trucks have the 'key presence switch'?

My fasten set belt light stays on all the time, even with the vehicle off and the key out of the ignition.

The senor on the retractor is not hooked up, but it still seems strange to me that it would stay lit even turned off and with the key out.

Re: Steering column rebuild question
 

Its been a while since I posted this question, but I did get the Jeep steering coupler boot. Came as a kit. The parts appeared to fit fine. The boot looks pretty good although I kind of mangled the plate in the base of the boot trying to get it over the pin in the shaft. I suspect that there is a better way to go about that job.

While I had the column apart, I ended up replacing the ignition switch, turn signal switch assembly and lower column bearings.