steering column compatability question

[hogrocket]

I found a tilt column at the pick a part for 35.00. I took it off a 77 1/2 ton automatic. Mine is a 70 standard shift. I was comparing the two and trying to foresee issues with putting it in my truck. First thing I noticed was the wiring connection--mine is curved and the 77 is straight.
My question---Since the wires are color coded the same and they both have same amount of wires (8) can I just splice them onto my harness? Also, since my truck is a stick shift and my ignition is mounted on the dash, can I just eliminate the shifter and ignition from the newer column? Any help or suggestions on other problems with this exchange would be greatly appreciated. I tried finding other threads on this, but didn't find one specific to these questions. Thanks, Matt

[nandress]

Originally Posted by hogrocket

First thing I noticed was the wiring connection--mine is curved and the 77 is straight.
My question---Since the wires are color coded the same and they both have same amount of wires (8) can I just splice them onto my harness?

There are adapters for the wiring harnesses out there. I am thinking that I once got one when I bought a replacement turn signal switch. I also think I have one laying around that I got with the ididit column we put in (or at least that's what I think it's laying around from!!). Check LMC for the adapter, and you should probably compare wiring diagrams from the two years to make sure, but most likely they are the same.

In general, if you have the patience and a modicum of skills, wiring and electricity is just wires and electrons!! You can splice, switch wires around, or whatever to your heart's content... But study your wiring diagrams and know what you are doing before you do anything. As an example, with your ignition switch(es), you can pick which one has the wires hooked up...it ain't rocket science!! I wouldn't suggest you use both though. (And me personally, I wouldn't want to have two, no matter how good a deal the steering column was!!)

Sorry, can't help with your other question

[Longhorn Man]

LMC charges WAY too much for the adapter. Go to the dealer, it's less than 10 bucks under p/n 1894851.
I don't know what the length is on your tilt, it could be an issue.
The diameter of your colum will require you cutting up the bottom of the dash and the inst panel.
If you don't use the ignition switch on the column, make d*mn sure you remove the wheel locking components.

[hogrocket]

Nandress, Thanks for the info on the wiring harness. regarding the ignition--I did not plan on using both of them. I was going to use the current one and disassemble the one in the column. I was also planning on dissasembling the shifter set up. I was thinking I could cover the remaining holes somehow--although not sure how yet.

[hogrocket]

Longhorn, thanks for the part# info. I hate having to give it up to LMC. I will defitnetly disasemble the ign. lock. The instr. panal appears to fit over the column with room to spare, I have not checked the dash issues yet. I was planning on colaspsing the column to bring it closer to the dash if possible. If I have to cut up the dash I probably won't use it. Any other tips are appreciated. M

[Longhorn Man]

I may be wrong on that now that i think about it... the diameter may be close to ours... I keep thinking the ones in the 80's - 98's started in 73.

[LockDoc]

I removed the shifter boss and indicator by hacksawing and grinding, cutting a couple of pieces of thin sheetmetal that fit tight in the openings, and JB welding them. Be sure to slip a thin piece of cardboard down inside the collar to keep any JB Weld out of the inside of the housing.

LockDoc

[project1971]

Man lockdoc that looks good! makes me want to find one and do that myself!

[LockDoc]

It's really easy. I wish I had taken more pics.....

LockDoc

[qksilver]

In the wind was by today and we looked at my 83 burb with tilt but no wiper switch and a 68 column, other than shortening the shaft, wiring and the ignition lock it looks almost the same. I have seen later model truck columns in 67-72 trucks and the owners said it was no big deal

[krue]

Take a bunch of pics and write a FAQ for us while you're at it.

[Longhorn Man]

Before we go doing all this work, You are aware that you can get a tilt out o a 72 - 81 van, and NOT have to do all this, right? All it needs is the intermidiate shaft shortened a tad, and you're in. (You'd still have to break off the shifter and fill that though)

[hogrocket]

Lockdoc, that looks damn good--thanks for the tip.

Longhorn--Here in San Diego it's hard to find these tilts in the junkyards. Especially the Pick a Parts--As soon as they hit the yard the hot items are striped. Unless your there as they bring it in and lay claim to it--the good stuff is gone. A lot of the parts end up across the border (Mexico) where they have a lot of these older trucks still in use. It's rare to find anything pre 72 with anything left on it and pre 80 is not far behind. Anyway-just a little FYI from SD.

[lilpup69chevy]

actually i found a good lead on a possible tilt for a 67-72 column from a floorshift truck, it came out of my uncles 70 gmc, he passed away and had some parts from it in his shop my other uncle is going to get it for me i hope so as i will more than likely post it on the classifieds for sale, since i already have one both of my trucks are automatics