Steering column questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

NicoSlam · 01-13-2011, 10:28 AM

So I'm in the process of installing a 700r4 in my 69SWB and have questions regarding what type of Steering Column to find. I was told that a 3 speed Auto column would work and only the indicator needs to be changed to a 4 speed. I mentioned to bowtieoverdrives that it didn't make sense since the pivot points at the bottom end may not allow that extra position. I was told that the overall throw was the same. I was convinced and ordered the 4 speed indicator by iditit. Now, I see 4 speed auto columns for sale so I'm confused as to there must be a reason why GM made two types of columns. Was I right about the pivots or can you use a 3 speed column as a four speed with simply changing the indicator?? On another thread discussing my trans, The point was made that there really is no need to be on the last gear select which I agree but I want to understand compatibility before I take the short cut.

thanks

kpeztruck · 01-13-2011, 10:35 AM

Years ago, I used a 3-speed auto column for my 700r4. I did go the extra step of fabricating some proper detents, and was able to get all the gears manually when done. This was 12-13 years ago now. Paul

NicoSlam · 01-13-2011, 10:40 AM

Thnaks for the reply. Does anyone know what years or options the 4 speed columns used in. Obviously, 700r4 were not around from 1967-72 so what tran was used that required a 4 speed Auto column?? Sorry for the all the questions.

Wrenchbender Ret · 01-13-2011, 05:32 PM

I used the original column in my 70 & it has enough travel to get all the positions. I still have the original dial but I know where each position is. I would like to find a 4th over indicator. The 4 speed came out in the trucks about 1984.

rsavage · 01-13-2011, 06:01 PM

When I converted my 4 speed Burb to a 200 4R I used a TH350/400 column. I bought a billet aftermarket linkage rod and was able to adjust it to get all gears and have the neutral safety switch and backup switch to work correctly. The detents are in the transmission. The indicator doesn't line up perfectly, but it is easy to tell what gear you have placed it in.

Hubscrub · 01-14-2011, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret

I used the original column in my 70 & it has enough travel to get all the positions. I still have the original dial but I know where each position is. I would like to find a 4th over indicator. The 4 speed came out in the trucks about 1984.

i bought mine from LMC for a reasonable price, the pic is when i was mocking it up to see how it fits i think one of the parts is for a tilt column but look like it will fit fine on my regular column.

Wrenchbender Ret · 01-15-2011, 04:57 PM

Thank's Scrub. LMC is right near me. I will get those.
George

01-13-2011, 10:28 AM	#1
NicoSlam Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: San Antonio TX Posts: 251	Steering column questions So I'm in the process of installing a 700r4 in my 69SWB and have questions regarding what type of Steering Column to find. I was told that a 3 speed Auto column would work and only the indicator needs to be changed to a 4 speed. I mentioned to bowtieoverdrives that it didn't make sense since the pivot points at the bottom end may not allow that extra position. I was told that the overall throw was the same. I was convinced and ordered the 4 speed indicator by iditit. Now, I see 4 speed auto columns for sale so I'm confused as to there must be a reason why GM made two types of columns. Was I right about the pivots or can you use a 3 speed column as a four speed with simply changing the indicator?? On another thread discussing my trans, The point was made that there really is no need to be on the last gear select which I agree but I want to understand compatibility before I take the short cut. thanks

01-13-2011, 10:35 AM	#2
kpeztruck Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Canton, GA Posts: 229	Re: Steering column questions Years ago, I used a 3-speed auto column for my 700r4. I did go the extra step of fabricating some proper detents, and was able to get all the gears manually when done. This was 12-13 years ago now. Paul

01-13-2011, 10:40 AM	#3
NicoSlam Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: San Antonio TX Posts: 251	Re: Steering column questions Thnaks for the reply. Does anyone know what years or options the 4 speed columns used in. Obviously, 700r4 were not around from 1967-72 so what tran was used that required a 4 speed Auto column?? Sorry for the all the questions.

01-13-2011, 05:32 PM	#4
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,228	Re: Steering column questions I used the original column in my 70 & it has enough travel to get all the positions. I still have the original dial but I know where each position is. I would like to find a 4th over indicator. The 4 speed came out in the trucks about 1984.

01-13-2011, 06:01 PM	#5
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: Steering column questions When I converted my 4 speed Burb to a 200 4R I used a TH350/400 column. I bought a billet aftermarket linkage rod and was able to adjust it to get all gears and have the neutral safety switch and backup switch to work correctly. The detents are in the transmission. The indicator doesn't line up perfectly, but it is easy to tell what gear you have placed it in. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

01-15-2011, 04:57 PM	#7
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,228	Re: Steering column questions Thank's Scrub. LMC is right near me. I will get those. George



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