Steering column swap

[fred_e81]

Would a 77 manual column fit my 79. Will all connectors fit? Im at a pull a part as I write this. Need help asap!

[fred_e81]

Ended up buying it FOR $41.30 from the steering wheel to the intermediate shaft. Couldn't pass it up.

[J Knight]

Go back and get the intermediate shaft if you dont all ready have it. 73-78 are splined and 79-84 are double d.

[fred_e81]

J Knight.....got brother! Got the whole complete thing including the steering wheel and the intermediate shaft for that price. Looking at the the online prices, I think I got a heck of a deal!

[hatzie]

You may have to exchange or just re-pin the harmonica plug but that's not a real awful job.
The GM Wiring diagrams for both years will show the proper terminal positions... More than half the battle is knowing what year the column came from.

[ray_mcavoy]

Originally Posted by hatzie

More than half the battle is knowing what year the column came from.

Yup! Writing that info down and keeping it in the truck for future reference is a good idea too. For example, if you ever need to replace the ignition lock cylinder you'll want to get one for the 77 column ... it uses a different style of retainer (tab vs. screw) than the later years.

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by J Knight

Go back and get the intermediate shaft if you dont all ready have it. 73-78 are splined and 79-84 are double d.

EDIT 79-87/91 are DD. My phone messed up my last post.

[fred_e81]

Thanks for the info guys, I really appreciate all of the help. I'm hoping the harmonica plug is a direct fit as I am not too savy with electrical work but I am a fast learner. I'm sure that would be the least of my worries. Thanks again!

[fred_e81]

So my old steering (79 c10)column has what I think is the neutral safety switch, a white in color half moon with a connector on it. The 77 replacement column does not have it. Do I need the safety neutral switch. If so, should I find the correct steering column or is there a way to bypass it. Just for reference, my truck has a 3 on the tree column thats been converted to a floor shifter (PO). I bought a 77 floor shifter column to replace my junky one. Thanks in advance for the help.

[hatzie]

The Three on the Tree had a backup lamp switch that may or may not be the same as the neutral safety on an automagic column. You'll need to extend the backup lamp wires down to some other backup lamp switch.

[fred_e81]

Hatzie, thanks for the reply. After doing some searching, you are right. That is the reverse switch and not the neutral safety switch as I thought it was. My stepper has the clutch safety switch (a plastic switch thats by the clutch. I will probably end up using the Hurst reverse light switch unless, there is a better modification for this problem?

[fred_e81]

So I was able to replace the steering column but, I ran into a little problem. When I try to connect the column into the intermediate shaft, the splined bottom portion of the column gets pushed in about 1/4 inch. I'm doing this with the intermediate shaft connected to the steering box. Is there an easier way to connect them and keep the shaft from going into the column? Is it easier to work on it outside of the truck rather than semi installed? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[cadillac_al]

I never disconnect the intermediate shaft from the column. I disconnect it at the steering box and pull the whole thing out in one piece. I am hoping to change mine this week.

[MikeB]

FYI, getting the backup light switch adjusted on my 82 manual column was a PITA for me. Neither the original or replacement switches fit quite right. It was really a matter of the "ramp" on the shift tube not aligning perfectly with the switch mounting holes on the column. I'm frankly amazed that it still works!

I suggest you fabricate a bracket and use a switch actuated by the R-1 lever on the trans.

[fred_e81]

What you described is probably the smarter way to do it. This was my first column swap, learning as I go. Any solution for my predicament?

[fred_e81]

MikeB thanks for that tip. I have looked around the forums and found that some have made some sort of switch to activate the backup lights. If all else fails I will just end up installing some sort of switch for them.

[hatzie]

If Hurst has a switch kit for the floor shifter I'd use it.

[motornut]

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

I never disconnect the intermediate shaft from the column. I disconnect it at the steering box and pull the whole thing out in one piece. I am hoping to change mine this week.

that's how i pull mine.
undo the bolts,open the spline clamp at the box.
that lower shaft pushes in an accident,or to replace the rag joint

[fred_e81]

10 4 on removing the column with the intermediate shaft, next time I will take that approach. My problem is that I removed the shaft from the column off of a donor truck to install into my truck (1979 double D to a 1977 splined shaft). I have the shaft installed on the box but when I try to insert the column into the shaft, the column gets pushed into the column therefore not allowing the bolt to line up with the groove in the spline located at the bottom of the column. I don't want to ruin my new column. Should I remove the shaft and column, turn the column upside down on the floor and attempt to gently slide the shaft on this way to keep it from compressing into itself?

[motornut]

Originally Posted by fred_e81

10 4 on removing the column with the intermediate shaft, next time I will take that approach. My problem is that I removed the shaft from the column off of a donor truck to install into my truck (1979 double D to a 1977 splined shaft). I have the shaft installed on the box but when I try to insert the column into the shaft, the column gets pushed into the column therefore not allowing the bolt to line up with the groove in the spline located at the bottom of the column. I don't want to ruin my new column. Should I remove the shaft and column, turn the column upside down on the floor and attempt to gently slide the shaft on this way to keep it from compressing into itself?

well the key on the shaft only fits one way.
my 78 the "replacement" rag joint key was the other side.
had to be turned,still is upside down

[fred_e81]

The circled spleen is what is being compressed into the column by the intermediate shaft which is not allowing both parts to join together properly to secure them as one. Sorry if I confused anyone.

[motornut]

Originally Posted by fred_e81

Attachment 1337111

The circled spleen is what is being compressed into the column by the intermediate shaft which is not allowing both parts to join together properly to secure them as one. Sorry if I confused anyone.

Oh ok
I think somebody else had that prob,pushed down on the steering wheel inside, just needed some pressure from above

[fred_e81]

10-4, thanks for the help Motornut!