Tilt column questions

[Shifty One]

So my column can't be tightened any more...it was used as a way for farmhands to pull themselves into the truck for too long, and it's done. Will a non-tilt column swap in without issue? If so, is there a year-span that will work? (mine is an 87, a/t, with the cruise/windshield wiper/delay on the turn signal lever). Barring that, does anyone sell a replacement knuckle? The price of columns is pretty prohibitive, even for scrap-yards, so...

[ray_mcavoy]

Yes, a compatible year non-tilt column should swap right in.

To have the wiper switch on the column, I think you'll need to look for an 84 - 87 (or up to 91 R/V series) column.

[J Knight]

Just about every function on the steering columns function and plug in individually so as long as you get an 84-87/91 column for an auto trans it will work tilt or no tilt.

[DirtyK30]

Any 84-87 automatic trans column will swap into your truck. That being said the cruise control and delayed wipers are rarer options, but if you feel ambitious the whole turn signal lever and wiring harness (the long flat spade one with seven wires) can be changed between columns. This does require complete disassemble of the column, about 2hrs of work. If u do find another tilt column the turn signal lever is a direct swap from yours to the new column, but if you decided to use a non tilt column you need to buy the delayed wiper switch for a non tilt column. Napa part number ECH WS6042 and about $160 retail. The cruise control is in the wiper/turn signal lever it self and it can be removed from the column with a push and quarter turn motion and then installed in the new column the same way. I do not know of any one that sells a replacement knuckle and in my experience a good salvage yard column will run from $25 - $100. Hope this helps

[Shifty One]

Thanks fellas...

I just bought a new wiper/delay/cruise switch, and figured I'd tighten the tilt while I was there....of course, that's when the whole can of worms got knocked over...

[Hart_Rod]

Good information guys. I have an 86 Custom deluxe truck not tilt. I found a 86 Suburban tilt column that has wipers and cruise. Will everything swap over with no problem? What's a good price for the column. It's real tight and comes with a nice factory wheel. Thanks in advance,

Rob

[1774btcrew]

Can you show me a picture of the piece you can't tighten up? If you are talking about the piece that the 4 bolts screw into at the bottom of the column, it is actually a steel plate under it. If that is the case, I am sure I have a spare one lying around