I have a crooked steering wheel.

[beenjaamin]

Hey guys I know this might be a dumb question but im just not sure about this. My truck is a 70 GMC 4x4. The previous owner put a later style steering wheel on it. The picture is with the wheels straight. It drives fine and everything. How do I fix this crooked steering wheel? I was getting ready to pull it off, but it started to look like there was more to it. Then just pulling the steering wheel and putting it back on straight. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks

[woodrow59]

Yeah, that's about it. Pull it off and put it back on straight. Sometimes they can be a pain,,,,,, may have to get a puller.

[BowTieOgre]

Ive got the same problem on my '73 and the pin for the horn will only let me put it on a certain way...are the 67-72s different?

[70gmcjimmy]

It aint too hard on a 4x4. If the marks on the steering wheel and column shaft are lined up, then all you have to do is adjust the drag link in or out slightly to get the steering wheel straight. This is only easy if the front axle assembly is in good shape to begin with.

Later---DAC

[beenjaamin]

Ok I got it. I can see why PO put it on that way. He was thinking that the horn post had to be lined up with the horm button on the the steering wheel. The plastic horn spacer has a metal ring all the way around it to make contact with horn post. Horn works..

Thanks guys.

[JimKshortstep4x4]

You may want to check to make sure the steering box is centered before changing the wheel position. Park the truck on soft dirt with the wheels straight and turn the wheel all the way to the left and all the way to the right checking to see if the steering stops are hitting on both sides. It is possible that the linkage between the pitman arm and the steering arm is off by enough so that you cannot get a full turn one way or the other.

Jim

[72chevy327]

I have that same steering wheel and as i remember you can put it it on any way you want because of the splines.

[RANDY COX]

Yea like they said BTW I like the different style dash and ash tray checkered flag.DARE TO BE DIFFERENT.

[70gmcjimmy]

Hello all-
I'm not sure if I'm missing a point here or what. so here's a couple of pics. The entire column assembly can only be assembled one way so unless from the pitman arm up to the steering wheel hasn't been cobbled or altered, putting the steering wheel on this way should be center steer on 4x4 (or any for that matter, just the 4x4 is easier to work with because of the drag link.)

You can put a steering wheel on the splines wherever you want but its not the correct way. There is only one position that is correct.

1st pic is the stock column, stock steering wheel on, nut and washer removed. the top arrow points at the mark on the steering wheel that needs to be aligned with the mark on the steering column shaft that the bottom arrow is pointed at.

2nd pic shows a large view of the newer steering wheel with an arrow pointing at the mark that needs to line up with the mark on the column shaft.

3rd pic is a zoomed in pic of that mark on the newer steering wheel.

Just align as described and then with the front tires in straight ahead position, turn the sleeve on the drag link until the steering wheel is in the straight position. Actually I know a guy that adjusts his drag link till the steering wheel is crooked in a spot where he can hold a spoke and rest his arm on the arm rest at the same time.

To get straight ahead position with the front wheels I just drive in a level as possible paved area with the adjusting sleeve loose, not holding the steering wheel then slowly stop so brake pull doesnt cause any steer, then turn the sleeve till the steering wheel is where desired, then tighten the sleeve.

Sorry bout bein so windy here.

Later---DAC