Steering Column Interchange

[Super_Dave]

I am looking to swap a tilt column into my 1974 C20 Project. I am starting to look for a tilt column and came across this interchange info on another forum:

1973-77 Column shift; automatic transmission; tilt


238-237A ----------

BLAZER/JIMMY (full size) 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt

CHEVROLET 10 PICKUP 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt

CHEVROLET 20 PICKUP 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt

CHEVROLET 30 PICKUP 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt

GMC 1500 PICKUP 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt

GMC 2500 PICKUP 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt wheel

GMC 3500 PICKUP 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt wheel

SUBURBAN 10 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt wheel

SUBURBAN 1500 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt wheel

SUBURBAN 20 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt wheel

SUBURBAN 2500 73-77 Column Shift; AT, w/tilt wheel

Am I safe in assuming that any tilt column from the list above will be a bolt in affair and plug into my new AAW Harness... might have to replace the new ignition module, but no big deal there.

[old Rusty C10]

I believe you can go up to 82.... if its got the thin turn signal stalk it should bolt right in and wire up the same I believe the newer columns started in 83 with the thick stalk and the wipers in the turn signal switch and that would be different. I would also make sure I got the correct lower shaft for the new column so it works they will all bolt to the steering box

[Super_Dave]

This is one of the columns I am looking at... Says it's a 73-87 GMC/Chevy column from a Jimmy/Blazer...

[hatzie]

73-83 had several different harmonica connectors but the core column is the same.
84-91 have the larger turn stalk with the dimmer and wiper switches on the column.

73-77 harmonica connectors can be removed and re-installed on your new column.
78-83 will interchange without changing anything.

You can install the 84-91 column in the 73-77 trucks by replacing and re-pinning the harmonica plug.
The 78 and later trucks harmonica plug will mate with any 78 and later truck. You can even move the wiper and dimmer controls to the column if you wish.

[Super_Dave]

hatzie: Thanks for the info...

Originally Posted by hatzie

73-77 harmonica connectors can be removed and re-installed on your new column.

You can install the 84-91 column in the 73-77 trucks by replacing and re-pinning the harmonica plug.
wish.

Is there a thread or FAQ showing the re-pinning process?

[Super_Dave]

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

I believe you can go up to 82.... if its got the thin turn signal stalk it should bolt right in and wire up the same I believe the newer columns started in 83 with the thick stalk and the wipers in the turn signal switch and that would be different. I would also make sure I got the correct lower shaft for the new column so it works they will all bolt to the steering box

Rusty... Thanks for the info. In the image above, it shows the thin turn indicator, so I assume it fits your criteria. It comes complete sans the steering wheel, but mine is pristine, so no issue there.

Other than maybe needing a new ignition module for a tilt column and a new Neutral Safety Switch (since it's already out and they are not that expensive), it should be a plug-n-play with my new AAW Harness, correct?

[Super_Dave]

Owner got back to me on the one above. It's from a 1978 K20. As long as I have the correct ignition module for a tilt column, I should be golden. Is this a correct understanding?

[old Rusty C10]

Yes Dave... you can probably swap over the one you have now
I know I had no issues when I did this on my 82 with exception of the lower shaft one had the D connector the other a gear kinda thing but it was plug and play

[1774btcrew]

The harmonic plug is very easy to repin. Just do one wire at a time a tiny screwdriver will release the pins or you can buy a pin release set from one of the better tool trucks

[hatzie]

The Harmonica plug is a PAK CON connector just like some wiper motors, the ATC fuse panels, and the original Delco radios. They're almost as simple to remove and insert as the Packard 56 & Packard 59 connectors.
I would recommend matching the column side connector pinout to the cab connector so you can go back to the original column if needed. Get the wiring diagrams for your donor and recipient year. See my signature.

Jegs has the GM Pak Con harmonica plug shells and terminals for the GM Saginaw steering columns. http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...10415/10002/-1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2iBmOZN3g4