how hard is it to change steering column?

[jasonroman]

when i bought truck the column had some shake to it. and the blinker part was cracked. the arm that controls the turn signals...= blinker part
since having the truck, if i pulled the arm to say, put on high beams, i would loose all lights..??
then last night went to get in truck and go to work. and no headlights.
i tried pulling the lever and nothing would happen. but i didnt hear the thing engaging like i would in the past. at the point where id loose headlights.
so im thinking i might want to start looking for a new column.
to get rid of the wiggle and have no broken blinker arm.

also wondering what i need to do to get the water to shoot on my glass??
wipers work. but no water action. tank is full, just no squirting/.

as always, thanks for any help

[ghettoluxury]

The column is very easy to change out. 2 bolts under the dash, about 5 on the inside fire wall, 2 plugs, if an auto a pin for the steering linkage, 2 bolts on the outside of the fire wall, and 3 bolts for the steering shaft. The pump in the washer tank is probably bad.

[N2TRUX]

Note that there are some differences in year models. Most will physically fit, but early ones had wiper/washer on dash, and the plugs and pins are different too.

[77 350 Shorty Wide]

Good Morning,

WW system could simply be plugged, a hose or even the little screen at the bottom of the reservoir. Check this first and make sure that nozzles will pass air as well. If they are plugged try cleaning them out with a thin wire.
To do these things is free.

God Bless, Terry

[jasonroman]

thanks for reply folks
ill check and see wat i can find with the windshield wiper issues.
truck might be coming off the road soon. guess that will be when i try and figure out the column swap.
trucks an 85 with tilt. i guess ill look for something in that yr range to avoid problems

[CaliDude76]

Originally Posted by jasonroman

thanks for reply folks
ill check and see wat i can find with the windshield wiper issues.
truck might be coming off the road soon. guess that will be when i try and figure out the column swap.
trucks an 85 with tilt. i guess ill look for something in that yr range to avoid problems

I did the same thing on my Custom Deluxe with no tilt.
Fairly easy gig...
1984 is when they relocated the wiper switch to the signal stat... along with the delay and cruise.... so 84 on up, and your good.