72 tilt column

[sanford66]

What's the best way to tighten up a loose tilt column in a 72. I have tried the search function for the forum and everything I found is for the later model columns. Would like to know what I'm getting into before I start tearing it apart. Thanks, Joseph

[CG]

You might send Randy500 a PM on this. He rebuilds a lot of them and he is one of the best here on the board with sharing detailed information. He has a lot of write ups on doing things. May even already have one on the process with the tilts.

[randy500]

There are 4 screws that get loose, almost always they tighten up and everything is fine.
Here is wuikc instructions on how to do it.

1. Remove the levers, flasher knob and shift indicator, then remove the metal bulb cover
2. Remove the metal turn signal switch cover, this is best done with the proper puller but you can tap it off with a flat blade screw driver. You will probably do some damage to it and it can be very difficult.
3. Remove turn signal switch.
4. Remove the tilt spring
5. Remove tilt pivot pins, must use the special tool for this.
6. Remove the nut preloading the upper bearings, the nut looks like 12 point but its not, takes a special tool.
7. Operate the tilt lever to release pivot housing and slide housing off the center shaft.
8. Tighten the 4, 5/16 head bolts

I dont rebuild columns for others but will buy your column and rebuilt it, i will put you first inline to buy it back, real truck tilts i pay approx $250 plus shipping, van tilts $125 or so.
Truck tilts sell for $550, van conversions $450.

[clay68c10]

Yep, it’s probably those 4 bolts.
Another option for disassembly instead of step #6 since it’s easy to lose those bearings.
Remove the column from the truck.
Remove the lower bearing and plastic retainer as one unit.
Remove the entire top pivot with the steering shaft still attached
Tighten the 4 bolts.
Put er back together.

This is assuming those top bearings are in ok shape and still feel smooth.

I have some pics somewhere...

[clay68c10]

First pic is the lower bearing
Second is the 4 bolts that get loose
Third is the upper pivot, the bearing nut is removed in that shot. It’s clamped in the vise by the steering shaft.

[sanford66]

Thanks for the help guys! I've tightened the bolts up it 70s camaros a trucks before, they weren't too bad. I somehow knew this would be more difficult! How is the lower bearing removed from the steering shaft? Would it be easier to convert a van tilt over than fix my column? I bought a 1980 chevy van/rv to part out and it has a nice solid tilt in it, already robbed the short shift lever to put in my truck. The shifter pin hole in my column is worn out also, so there is that problem to deal with to. Joseph

[clay68c10]

The lower bearing is a slip fit.
Take off the retaining clip and the metal collar. Then push the bearing off with a flat blade.
It helps to wire wheel the end of the steering shaft till it's shiny. They either have paint or rust, or both.

The worst part of the whole thing is getting that turn signal switch cover off. I soak em with Kroil for a week before I even try.

Or just run the rv one and set your truck tilt aside for now. There's some guys on here that can rebuild it for you.