Steering Column Swap

[1981_c10]

Hey Y'all!

Bad news, my 1981 C10 was broken into (shattered my wing window) and tore my column to pieces trying to hot wire my truck. Bummer for my truck that only has 115K original miles on it...

Anyway, I am having trouble finding a replacement column for my 81 since it is tilt and has the windshield wipers on the dash. I know they moved the wiper switch to the column in 83?

Has anyone swapped a 83 and newer column into 81 or older? I am curious if it if a clean swap or what I should be aware of.

Thanks!

[Malo83]

I just swapped out my steering column on my 83 last weekend, 83 still had the wiper switch on the dash, my column has tilt, cruise and auto, really good solid rebuild, didn't realize how sloppy my old steering column was till I put the new one in, pretty easy swap, only part that gave me a hard time is the clamp underneath the brake booster, tight fit, Pull her out and swap all your levers
This where I ordered my column from, nice lady took my order.
http://www.columnsgalore.com/index.htm

[1981_c10]

Originally Posted by Malo83

I just swapped out my steering column on my 83 last weekend, 83 still had the wiper switch on the dash, my column has tilt, cruise and auto, really good solid rebuild, didn't realize how sloppy my old steering column was till I put the new one in, pretty easy swap, only part that gave me a hard time is the clamp underneath the brake booster, tight fit, Pull her out and swap all your levers
This where I ordered my column from, nice lady took my order.
http://www.columnsgalore.com/index.htm

I just asked for a quote from that place. Remember what they charged?

[Malo83]

Column was $425 and shipping to Cali was $78 if I remember correctly

[1981_c10]

Thanks! That is what they quoted me too. Worried about my core charge since they tore the side....oh well. I will give it a try. Thanks for your help!

Any suggestions on that bolt under the brake booster? only bolt holding me up from removing the column.

[Malo83]

Pain in the A$$, I used a deep socket and long extension to break the nut and twist it up high enough to use a shallow socket to get the rest of the way off. I wouldn't worry about the core, just send it back with all the pieces