1983 Tilt Steering Column to 1978 Big 10?

[thefatguy]

I've found a tilt-steering column for my 1978 Big 10. It came out of a 1982 C-10. Does anyone know if that's a straight drop-in type of deal?

I've never done a steering column before, so I'm kind of nervous about messing with something that seems important like steering. Am I biting off more than I should? Yes, I'm a big old wuss.

[old Rusty C10]

i dont think it will work.. the 83 has wipers in the turn signal and the hole is different.. if its an 82 ( it says 83 in title 82 in thread) it should work... you may need the lower shaft tho to make it work,,, hope that helps

[Red_69]

I think wipers were in the dash until 1985.

[thefatguy]

Yeah, I screwed up my post -- the guy says it's an 82. I'm checking with him about the wiper controls.

[ChaseDale3and8]

It will interchange as long as it's an '83 on back. 1984 was the year that the wiper switch was moved to the turn signal stalk. ...Joe

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by ChaseDale3and8

It will interchange as long as it's an '83 on back....

Not exactly. There were some changes in connector plugs and shaft shape along the way. It can be made to work, but it might not be a straight across swap.

[flamingbig10]

my buddy has a 78 big 10 and he did the swap with a 84colum bolted up just fine, just keep using the dash mounted wiper switch.

[S10Fan]

I used an 85 Blazer column in my 80. I wired up the column wiper switch (and a delay module) to my existing wiring. The dash switch is still there and I'll use that spot for something later on. I also had to mess with the ignition switch, I just can't remember what the issue was.

My truck is a manual tranny, so I still need to eliminate the remains of the column (automatic) shifter.

[thefatguy]

Well, the guy says no wiper controls on this column, but I'm gonna take a pass, as I really have more important mods to do.

Thanks for all the help, folks...much appreciated.