Will an '82-'85 tilt column work on my '77?

[superchevy]

Hi guys, new to the '73-'87 trucks.
Have a '77 3/4 ton that I would like to put in a tilt column.
Was wondering if an early to mid-80's tilt column out of a 1/2 ton truck will bolt in? Any differences I should know about?
Thanks for the help, SC.

[beaterC10]

The later columns will bolt in. There are a few things to look out for.

Get the shaft that connects the column to the steering box. Chevy changed them sometime in the late 70s. Some one prolly knows when. The difference is in the connection of the shaft to the column. The steering box end stays the same. The early columns are splined, the later ones use a round shaft with two flats.

Prolly don't want to go newer than 83, the last year for the wipers on the dash. That would keep the wiring simpler. I believe there was also a change in the connectors used on the columns sometime in the late 70's.

[SCOTI]

Ok Casey . . .... what's goin' on? Still have the extended cab? Post some pics of the new ride?

3/4 ton??????

[86k10]

I put an entire 87 K20 tilt column in my old 74 C20. The only trouble came when and I can't remember which was which but one pulled the rod when you turned the key and the other pushed And that meant the wires on the 87 would not plug into the 74 ignition since everything was reverse. However after staring at it for a few moments, the side cutters came out and done a little trimming here and there and it plugged right in and has been working ever since. I took the dimmer switch off the floor and am using the one in the column. You just have to think like a farmer and get out your pliers and baling wire and anythings possible

[superchevy]

Thanks for the tips guys. I found a tilt column out of a '78, so should bolt right in.
Hey SCOTI, I still have the extended cab, but it comes out in the Autotrader for sale this weekend. I wanted a tough, old truck to use as a parts/car hauler. This '77 fits the bill; C20 Silverado, power eveything, straight and rustfree, 454/T400; the original white paint's a little faded, but I'm going to run it through Earl Sheib for a new coat of white. I'll post some pics this weekend if it will ever stop raining. LOL

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by superchevy

Thanks for the tips guys. I found a tilt column out of a '78, so should bolt right in.

I "think" the shaft is different between 77 and 78. You may have to do some parts switching to get them to work.

Just to forwarn you, the 77 model was a transition year. There are things that interchange from 73-77, 77-79 and some that are exclusive to 77. Just remember when parts shopping that "One size does NOT fit all years" as some of the wonderful sellers on Ebay like to claim.....

[Jonboy]

the difference in the lever pushing and pulling is whether it is tilt or not. I don't remember which is which, but that is it. If youo do switch, the plug in is different on the later columns. The wires are in the same order, but the plug is different. just move the wires around, and it will work fine.