Tilt column How to install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

my72k20 · 01-02-2005, 09:41 AM

Some big secret ??
why is it when someone asks what needs to be done to install a chevy van tilt column in there truck no one will give a straight answer ? Please dont bash me, The thing is I have seen the question asked in here several times and it has not been answered or did I miss it in one of the posts cuz my eyes where burning from reading so much... lol I would like to know how myself. Thanks

Tx Firefighter · 01-02-2005, 09:54 AM

Move the neutral safety switch - see FAQ section for a good article with directions

Collapse the intermediate shaft as needed to connect the new column to the box. If you need, I have a picture I took of this part of the conversion.

You may need a horseshoe to flat wiring adapter plug for the turn signal wiring. If so, it's dealer item for under 10 bucks.

It's basically a 2 hour job. I've done it several times.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 01-02-2005, 10:54 AM

I believe that installing a van tilt is actually two questions. The first one involves prepping the column for installation. Once the column is prepped
and the steering shaft extension is adjusted, it is a fairly routine swap out.

If we are to help you, I think that we need to know if the column has been prepped or not. There has been a lot of posts on the subject but no one minds helping you through this.

Has your column been prepped for installation?

Jim

Solver · 01-02-2005, 01:47 PM

Column removal for tilt replacement

1 remove 2 nuts at rag joint just above power steering box

Solver · 01-02-2005, 01:48 PM

2 loosen tranny shift rod nut and pull shift rod down and out of retainer
I always spray a squirt of black paint in that area so when I remove and replace I can see where it was attached before
3 remove 2 bolts in firewall from column support plate
4 loosen and remove the bolt on the retaining ring clamping column to support plate

Solver · 01-02-2005, 01:50 PM

In Cab parts
(optional remove steering wheel for more clearance when pulling colmun from truck)
5 remove 2 small bolts holding the boot retaining ring to firewall
6 disconnct the 2 set of wires at nuetral saftey switch
7 reach up in under dash bezel and remove the 1 bulb with the fiber optic cable and let it hang down
8 pull the wire harness connector just under steering column apart

Solver · 01-02-2005, 01:53 PM

9 remove 2 screws holding the column grommet retaining plate
10 remove 4 bolts on column support plate under dash
11 remove 2 bolts up under dash holding the column support strap
12 slowly pull the whole steering column towards you slowly working the whole column up and out
13 may have to check the intermediate shaft as it will hang up on the inner fender if it isn't turned just right
14 also may have to tip and twist colmun alittle for the tranny shift lever to clear firewall hole. That is where the sterring wheel removal makes job easier
15 Remove whole sterring colomun and intermediate shaft from truck

Solver · 01-02-2005, 01:56 PM

16 disconnct intermediate shaft from old column
17 collapse intermediate shaft

Solver · 01-02-2005, 01:57 PM

follow faqs for column prep (1.neutral saftey relocation 2. neutral saftey rewire)
18 reattach intermediate shaft to new column
may need to slice the 2 grommets to attach to new column or some say you can bend tranny lever and slip them over
I sliced boot and grommet and then cut retaining ring so it would go on new column
20 reverse removal steps to install
21 add adapter for wire harness

neutral saftey faq
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=63328

neutral saftey rewire
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...neutral+safety

anything I forgot please feel free to add

Solver · 01-02-2005, 03:41 PM

The only mods for the column are:
Collapse the intermediate shaft
neutral saftey relocate
neutral saftey wires
wire harness adapter
swap grommets and grommet ring
If you have all those done then get that thing in there and start tilting away!!

Brainchild · 01-02-2005, 08:19 PM

DOn't forget you can move the column closer to the dash about 2-3 inches if you want.I did and it's a lot more comfy

FirstGen · 01-02-2005, 08:47 PM

so how exactly are you guys collapsing the shaft? Does it have to be done on a vise or can it be done in the truck? I would love to move the colum a few inches closer to the dash...

Solver · 01-02-2005, 09:05 PM

Pretty sure you will have to remove from truck.
I have put 6 of the van tilts in now and of those I could not get 2 of the intermediate shafts to collapse. Had to use other ones. You can drill out the 4 plastic pins (2 each side) you can see them in the pic as the 2 white dots half way down the shaft . Some have collapsed without removing the pins. Need to put it upright on the concrete floor and wack the end of it. I also sprayed with pb blaster so that when it started to move it moved easier. I also stuck a long bolt in the inside and wacked it back out further and then back in again a few times till it would adjust with very little pressure. This is kind of important as once you get it back in the truck you will want it to slide back a forth in size till you get it just where you want it in lenght. As this will regulate how close the steering column sticks out towards you.

teamharvey · 01-02-2005, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solver

16 disconnct intermediate shaft from old column
17 collapse intermediate shaft

Solver.....Just checking to see if this shaft has been collapsed ? I will be putting it all back together this week and wanted to make sure.

Thanks,
Bret

Solver · 01-02-2005, 09:27 PM

Harvey can't tell from pic but you need to be able to slide part 1 into and out of part 2 so once installed it will adjust. Doesn't need to be real loose just enough to be able to pull it couple of inches each direction by hand

arkracing · 01-11-2005, 10:16 AM

anybody know how much longer the steering shaft of a van tilt is than a regular truck tilt???
i'm curious to know. - well that is all i really want to know about this swap out. i know the van will fit i just want to know how much longer the shaft is.

Thanks

Bob Moore · 01-11-2005, 01:31 PM

The shaft sticks out 2 1/2 inches more than the truck shaft.

Putter · 01-12-2005, 11:06 AM

Measured them both last night.
TRUCK COLUMN: 1 15/16" (let's just call it 2" and be done)
VAN COLUMN: 4 3/8"

So, if we call that 2" for the truck and 4.5" for the van, then Bob is correct at 2.5" longer for the van.

68w/sbc406 · 01-13-2005, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modifiedGMC

I'm thinking about doing this mod to mine. Can you change out the shafts and put your old truck shaft on the van column and not have to collapse it? What models of van columns should I look for to swap out? I read somewhere on here that a 1981 van column fit right in place, was this without any modifications?

72-early82 van columns. with the earlier years you dont need the horse shoe to straight adapter, but the later years auto shifter lever is shorter

purple gas · 03-26-2005, 12:15 PM

The amount of diference the length the van column shaft sticks out doesn't seem like much, but if you try to put it together without adjusting the length it's amazing how Un-drivable the truck will be. I don't likely have to explain how I know this....

**BOSS** · 07-04-2005, 04:03 PM

Can you move a regular truck shaft(non tilt) closer also or is it just for tilts and van colums?

FirstGen · 07-04-2005, 05:04 PM

I moved mine closer and it is not a tilt. Helped alot!

chip46wis · 08-28-2005, 09:11 AM

Ok-maybe I missed it---what years vans will fit my 69 step?

Longhorn Man · 08-28-2005, 11:40 AM

here;

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68w/sbc406

72-early82 van columns. with the earlier years you dont need the horse shoe to straight adapter, but the later years auto shifter lever is shorter

01-02-2005, 09:41 AM	#1
my72k20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 23	Tilt column How to install Some big secret ?? why is it when someone asks what needs to be done to install a chevy van tilt column in there truck no one will give a straight answer ? Please dont bash me, The thing is I have seen the question asked in here several times and it has not been answered or did I miss it in one of the posts cuz my eyes where burning from reading so much... lol I would like to know how myself. Thanks

01-02-2005, 09:54 AM	#2
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Move the neutral safety switch - see FAQ section for a good article with directions Collapse the intermediate shaft as needed to connect the new column to the box. If you need, I have a picture I took of this part of the conversion. You may need a horseshoe to flat wiring adapter plug for the turn signal wiring. If so, it's dealer item for under 10 bucks. It's basically a 2 hour job. I've done it several times. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-02-2005, 01:47 PM	#4
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	Column removal for tilt replacement 1 remove 2 nuts at rag joint just above power steering box Attached Images __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon Last edited by LockDoc; 05-31-2017 at 07:18 AM.

01-02-2005, 01:48 PM	#5
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	2 loosen tranny shift rod nut and pull shift rod down and out of retainer I always spray a squirt of black paint in that area so when I remove and replace I can see where it was attached before 3 remove 2 bolts in firewall from column support plate 4 loosen and remove the bolt on the retaining ring clamping column to support plate Attached Images __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon

01-02-2005, 01:50 PM	#6
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	In Cab parts (optional remove steering wheel for more clearance when pulling colmun from truck) 5 remove 2 small bolts holding the boot retaining ring to firewall 6 disconnct the 2 set of wires at nuetral saftey switch 7 reach up in under dash bezel and remove the 1 bulb with the fiber optic cable and let it hang down 8 pull the wire harness connector just under steering column apart Attached Images __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon

01-02-2005, 10:54 AM	#3
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	I believe that installing a van tilt is actually two questions. The first one involves prepping the column for installation. Once the column is prepped and the steering shaft extension is adjusted, it is a fairly routine swap out. If we are to help you, I think that we need to know if the column has been prepped or not. There has been a lot of posts on the subject but no one minds helping you through this. Has your column been prepped for installation? Jim

01-02-2005, 01:53 PM	#7
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	9 remove 2 screws holding the column grommet retaining plate 10 remove 4 bolts on column support plate under dash 11 remove 2 bolts up under dash holding the column support strap 12 slowly pull the whole steering column towards you slowly working the whole column up and out 13 may have to check the intermediate shaft as it will hang up on the inner fender if it isn't turned just right 14 also may have to tip and twist colmun alittle for the tranny shift lever to clear firewall hole. That is where the sterring wheel removal makes job easier 15 Remove whole sterring colomun and intermediate shaft from truck Attached Images __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon

01-02-2005, 01:56 PM	#8
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	16 disconnct intermediate shaft from old column 17 collapse intermediate shaft Attached Images __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon

01-02-2005, 01:57 PM	#9
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	follow faqs for column prep (1.neutral saftey relocation 2. neutral saftey rewire) 18 reattach intermediate shaft to new column may need to slice the 2 grommets to attach to new column or some say you can bend tranny lever and slip them over I sliced boot and grommet and then cut retaining ring so it would go on new column 20 reverse removal steps to install 21 add adapter for wire harness neutral saftey faq http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=63328 neutral saftey rewire http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...neutral+safety anything I forgot please feel free to add Attached Images __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon Last edited by LockDoc; 05-31-2017 at 07:21 AM. Reason: Fixed links

01-02-2005, 03:41 PM	#10
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	The only mods for the column are: Collapse the intermediate shaft neutral saftey relocate neutral saftey wires wire harness adapter swap grommets and grommet ring If you have all those done then get that thing in there and start tilting away!! __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon

01-02-2005, 08:19 PM	#11
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	DOn't forget you can move the column closer to the dash about 2-3 inches if you want.I did and it's a lot more comfy __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

01-02-2005, 08:47 PM	#12
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	so how exactly are you guys collapsing the shaft? Does it have to be done on a vise or can it be done in the truck? I would love to move the colum a few inches closer to the dash... __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

01-02-2005, 09:05 PM	#13
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	Pretty sure you will have to remove from truck. I have put 6 of the van tilts in now and of those I could not get 2 of the intermediate shafts to collapse. Had to use other ones. You can drill out the 4 plastic pins (2 each side) you can see them in the pic as the 2 white dots half way down the shaft . Some have collapsed without removing the pins. Need to put it upright on the concrete floor and wack the end of it. I also sprayed with pb blaster so that when it started to move it moved easier. I also stuck a long bolt in the inside and wacked it back out further and then back in again a few times till it would adjust with very little pressure. This is kind of important as once you get it back in the truck you will want it to slide back a forth in size till you get it just where you want it in lenght. As this will regulate how close the steering column sticks out towards you. Attached Images __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon

01-02-2005, 09:27 PM	#15
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	Harvey can't tell from pic but you need to be able to slide part 1 into and out of part 2 so once installed it will adjust. Doesn't need to be real loose just enough to be able to pull it couple of inches each direction by hand Attached Images __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon Last edited by Solver; 01-02-2005 at 09:29 PM.

01-11-2005, 10:16 AM	#16
arkracing Weekend Warrior Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: CT Posts: 1,787	anybody know how much longer the steering shaft of a van tilt is than a regular truck tilt??? i'm curious to know. - well that is all i really want to know about this swap out. i know the van will fit i just want to know how much longer the shaft is. Thanks __________________ -'07 GMC Sierra K2500HD -'66 C10 Suburban -'68/'71 K20 Service Bed Project -'69 Chevy C30 Mason Dump -'33Ford P/U 396ChevyPowered



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01-11-2005, 01:31 PM	#17
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	Van Tilt The shaft sticks out 2 1/2 inches more than the truck shaft. __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow

01-12-2005, 11:06 AM	#18
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Measured them both last night. TRUCK COLUMN: 1 15/16" (let's just call it 2" and be done) VAN COLUMN: 4 3/8" So, if we call that 2" for the truck and 4.5" for the van, then Bob is correct at 2.5" longer for the van. __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket** Last edited by Putter; 01-12-2005 at 11:08 AM.

03-26-2005, 12:15 PM	#20
purple gas Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: saskatoon, planet earth Posts: 694	The amount of diference the length the van column shaft sticks out doesn't seem like much, but if you try to put it together without adjusting the length it's amazing how Un-drivable the truck will be. I don't likely have to explain how I know this.... __________________ I got a bench seat baby, you don't have to sit over there.

07-04-2005, 04:03 PM	#21
BOSS Just here to help Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Norwood,Mo Posts: 3,890	Can you move a regular truck shaft(non tilt) closer also or is it just for tilts and van colums? __________________ Support our site Norwood Survivor

07-04-2005, 05:04 PM	#22
FirstGen Just Don't Stop! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,239	I moved mine closer and it is not a tilt. Helped alot! __________________ 1968 C10 build in process TT LSA/6L90e/9"

08-28-2005, 09:11 AM	#23
chip46wis Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 1,317	Van tilt Ok-maybe I missed it---what years vans will fit my 69 step?

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