1985 tilt column in 1976 cab?

[hatzie]

Has anyone tried this?
I have a 1985 tilt column in a rusted out donor cab.
Will the 1985 column bolt into a 1976 cab?
Will I need to move or swap the firewall plate or U bracket?

I'm not asking about the wiring differences. They can be sorted... I have GM Helm Inc. schematics for 1973-1986 gm trucks.
The donor has cruise and pulse wipers. I have the whole cab so I may just grab the entire cab harness and re-pin the engine compartment firewall connectors where needed.

[hatzie]

HMM Nobody?

[trout]

should be a strait swap minus wiring

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by trout

should be a strait swap minus wiring

Thanks. I like to know what I'm getting into. The ATC fuse panel will be a nice upgrade too.

[motornut]

that is a few projects down the line for me
but 88 or 89 to 78
what i've read the wires are the problem
i believe it was different 77 and before and 78 and after
hope you figure it out..........and post

[ray_mcavoy]

Hi hatzie,

I believe GM changed from a splined shaft to a double-D shaft at the lower end of the steering column sometime around 79. Shouldn't be a problem though ... just use the matching intermediate shaft from the 85.

[BIG10]

My 78 has an 85 tilt column, but my uncle had it all installed when he owned the truck so I don't know details of the installation. The intermittent wipers work properly though, so I know for a fact that it can be done.

[hatzie]

I am planning on a Jeep XJ shaft to replace the rag joint at the same time but that's an important gotcha.

I'll post the wiring when I get it sorted.