4l80E in 67-72 Which tilt column?

[Vandals909]

Truck has a regular column now. Was wondering which aftermarket or maybe a Kev's Classic is better?

I would like the lock outs for each gear to be there. Also when in drive not be down to low.

What experience do you guys have with which columns work best with a 4 speed auto? Might also want one a little shorted then the one I have now, its pretty close to me.

Thanks

[ls1nova71]

I would definitely suggest getting one from Kevs Classic over one of the new repop columns. A rebuilt converted van column will be way nicer than those chinese junk columns in my opinion.

[Vandals909]

Any idea if the stock replacement will work good with the 4speed 4l80e

[truckdude239]

Im using a stock van tilt in mine

[Vandals909]

What's the difference Between the truck and the van tilt

[davepl]

I'm running a factory 1970 tilt with a 4L80E but we wound up fabricating our own brackets for the shift rod. The gear selection is pretty much perfect on the 4-speed repro lens.

[Vandals909]

Do you have a picture of it mounted?

Are you using a Lokar rod setup also?

Some guys complain that with a 4 speed the shifter is very low near there leg when in 1st?



Thanks

[davepl]

No installed picture, sorry. Using the stock rod. I don't drive it in 1st much, so can't say, but I sure never noticed it being low. Seems fine to me in D.

[izzy_Britton]

what years of stock van tilt columns work best in the 67-72? mine is hammered and need a replacement. almost impossible to get it into park, the lock out mech on the engine side of the column is pretty worn and beat up.

[ls1nova71]

Originally Posted by izzy_Britton

what years of stock van tilt columns work best in the 67-72? mine is hammered and need a replacement. almost impossible to get it into park, the lock out mech on the engine side of the column is pretty worn and beat up.

About '74 up to '81..

[1965Impala]

Are the van columns shorter than the stock 67-72 columns? It would sure be nice to get the steering wheel further from the driver.

[68c10airstream]

I would pay more and get a rebuilt factory from kev's classic or an ididit brand (made in michigan). Do some searching around and see the horrible chinese column internal images. Someone should be behind bars for bringing this crap to market! It's your life behind that steering wheel. Use the stock COLLAPSE-ABLE shaft in between the steering box and the column. Without it during a head on collision the steering box moves rearward and possibly the steering wheel pops up into your face. Gm also added features for the column to collapse within itself.

A drunk driver hit my mom head on in the 70's. She was driving a saab and the linkage collapsed and did it's job but the steering wheel was weak and folded forward and pinned my mom's hands to the side of the column including a 3 point seatbelt that i suspect didn't latch. She lived, neck injuries and all. She was short and close to the wheel and bruised ribs hitting the center part of the wheel (thats why i suspect the belt didn't latch).

When i see guys install aftermarket steering linkage between column to gearbox my first thought is " does it collapse like a gm one does"??? Enough of my rant but this one "hits home" for me every time!

[Cbo]

Originally Posted by 1965Impala

Are the van columns shorter than the stock 67-72 columns? It would sure be nice to get the steering wheel further from the driver.

I'd like to find this out too, before I pull the trigger on a tilt column

[Dieselwrencher]

Originally Posted by 1965Impala

Are the van columns shorter than the stock 67-72 columns? It would sure be nice to get the steering wheel further from the driver.

The van columns are actually longer. You can still move the column in toward the dash with a few mods. If I remember correctly, you have to cut a square hole in the column to allow the locating tab on the dash to go into the column. Then you will need to shorten your steering shaft due to the increased length. I have a van tilt in my 72.