Steering column swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fred_e81 · 12-01-2014, 11:03 AM

Hi there, I'm new to this whole Chevy truck scene (previously into classic VW's). So I have a newly acquired 79 stepside that was previously a 3 on the tree converted to a floor shifter. The original column is in bad shape and wanted to know if I could swap it out for a manual floor shift or auto column and if it will swap with no problems. I have read the forums and noticed that the 78-83 columns swap one for one but any other one I would need the intermediate shaft as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

**1774btcrew** · 12-01-2014, 11:56 AM

An auto or floor shift column will swap in with no problems. Just make sure the bottom shaft has a double D like the one currently in your truck. Welcome to the Chevy truck scene! I too started with vintage VWs(Mini trucks as well) There are some really great members here with a TON of knowledge. They have helped me out more times than I can count!

fred_e81 · 12-01-2014, 01:55 PM

Thanks for the quick response! A double D it is! I will definitely be using this site more often. Thanks for the help!

**old Rusty C10** · 12-01-2014, 01:58 PM

with any of the columns you can switch out the lower shaft from the kind with the gear to a double d it will interchange

fred_e81 · 12-01-2014, 02:17 PM

Thanks rusty! So, unless its the double d, make sure to grab the intermediate for the corresponding column, got it! Thanks for everyone's help!

Rocketman72 · 12-23-2014, 01:48 PM

What is double d mean?

fred_e81 · 12-23-2014, 03:28 PM

Double D is the type of column and steering input shaft that is found on 79 and later trucks vs the older splined ones. My 79 originally had one that had a double d but I swapped it out with an older splined one. Hope this helps?

Top pic is the input shaft that goes into the steering box and the bottom pic is the steering column. If you decide to swap one for the other make sure to disconnect the input shaft from the steering box and take it out as one piece with the column. It will save you time and effort....trust me!

Rocketman72 · 12-24-2014, 12:21 PM

Thanks for the clarification on the double d.

I assume that you are saying that it is very difficult to remove this intermediate shaft from the steering column. I've had mine off for body lift off the frame and it was as simple as removing the 2 nuts from the rag joint.

fred_e81 · 12-24-2014, 04:51 PM

Glad I was able to help,

Actually, removing the column from the shaft is easy but, if your trying to install the column and shaft 1 at a time on the truck, it is kind of difficult because the lower splined part of the column goes back into the column about a 1/4 inch keeping you from fully joining the 2 pieces together. I made that mistake and had to take everything out and hold the steering wheel portion of the column against the wall while I put pressure on the shaft while sliding it on to the column. Grease on the spline and a light tap with a rubber mallot helped alot.

12-01-2014, 11:03 AM	#1
fred_e81 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 78	Steering column swap Hi there, I'm new to this whole Chevy truck scene (previously into classic VW's). So I have a newly acquired 79 stepside that was previously a 3 on the tree converted to a floor shifter. The original column is in bad shape and wanted to know if I could swap it out for a manual floor shift or auto column and if it will swap with no problems. I have read the forums and noticed that the 78-83 columns swap one for one but any other one I would need the intermediate shaft as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

12-01-2014, 11:56 AM	#2
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,557	Re: Steering column swap An auto or floor shift column will swap in with no problems. Just make sure the bottom shaft has a double D like the one currently in your truck. Welcome to the Chevy truck scene! I too started with vintage VWs(Mini trucks as well) There are some really great members here with a TON of knowledge. They have helped me out more times than I can count! __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.

12-01-2014, 01:55 PM	#3
fred_e81 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 78	Re: Steering column swap Thanks for the quick response! A double D it is! I will definitely be using this site more often. Thanks for the help!

12-01-2014, 01:58 PM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: Steering column swap with any of the columns you can switch out the lower shaft from the kind with the gear to a double d it will interchange __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-01-2014, 02:17 PM	#5
fred_e81 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 78	Re: Steering column swap Thanks rusty! So, unless its the double d, make sure to grab the intermediate for the corresponding column, got it! Thanks for everyone's help!

12-23-2014, 01:48 PM	#6
Rocketman72 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 105	Re: Steering column swap What is double d mean? __________________ Don aka Rocket_Man 72 K5 Blazer 454 CI 2002 Honda VTX 1800C

12-23-2014, 03:28 PM	#7
fred_e81 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 78	Re: Steering column swap Double D is the type of column and steering input shaft that is found on 79 and later trucks vs the older splined ones. My 79 originally had one that had a double d but I swapped it out with an older splined one. Hope this helps? Top pic is the input shaft that goes into the steering box and the bottom pic is the steering column. If you decide to swap one for the other make sure to disconnect the input shaft from the steering box and take it out as one piece with the column. It will save you time and effort....trust me! Attached Images

12-24-2014, 12:21 PM	#8
Rocketman72 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 105	Re: Steering column swap Thanks for the clarification on the double d. I assume that you are saying that it is very difficult to remove this intermediate shaft from the steering column. I've had mine off for body lift off the frame and it was as simple as removing the 2 nuts from the rag joint. __________________ Don aka Rocket_Man 72 K5 Blazer 454 CI 2002 Honda VTX 1800C

12-24-2014, 04:51 PM	#9
fred_e81 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 78	Re: Steering column swap Glad I was able to help, Actually, removing the column from the shaft is easy but, if your trying to install the column and shaft 1 at a time on the truck, it is kind of difficult because the lower splined part of the column goes back into the column about a 1/4 inch keeping you from fully joining the 2 pieces together. I made that mistake and had to take everything out and hold the steering wheel portion of the column against the wall while I put pressure on the shaft while sliding it on to the column. Grease on the spline and a light tap with a rubber mallot helped alot.

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