steering column differences

[gixxer711]

This came up in the classified section and I am curious. Is there a difference between the 2 speed auto and 3 speed auto columns, besides the indicator bezel? Isn't and auto column an auto column? Curious because I was planning to buy one, but if there is a difference, I would like to know. My truck is a 64.

[HOTFUN]

I believe the 2 speed powerglide column will work for a 3 speed automatic much like when you use them to do a overdrive tranny. They sell the 3 speed automatic dial and it fits just right in the powerglide housing. I had started out buying a complete 1966 C20 series pickup that had it's 1966 factory installed turbo hydramatic still in place which was a 1966 body style only and one model only installation to remove all the parts for a correct converted 66 C10 install. The wire harness for the turbo 400 kick down is reproduced and is plug and play correct. The power glide used a mechanical linkage setup so no wiring but the neutral and backup switch wiring in the dash harness. What I have determined is the only difference is the center shift tube of the column and the linkage to the transmission. And of course the 3 speed indicator lens. Again it was a slightly longer cam in the TH column arm and the backup/neutral switch was different for the TH than the PG.
Some other noteable items were the 66 C20 floor was also not a bolt in just the standard low hump stamped floor. Also the linkages from the column to tranny was a swing bracket assembly and only used on the 66 TH. A setup out of a 67-72 TH will work just fine. In 67, all model C10-30 2wd's could have been ordered with a TH tranny and the crossmember and brake cables are the same as for the 66 using the same length wheel base for the front cable.
Here is pictures of the 66 powerglide column and the 66 turbohydramtic column differences:

NOTE: TH column is on LH side and PG is the RH side.

[forestb]

I have a 3 speed indicator bezel for my 2 speed column and the indicator does not line up at all. The column has it's positions for gear selection and the trans has it's and they don't match up that well. I have been told that it is easy to get it all to work together but I have not found the trick. I would go with the 3 speed column.

[Gooker928]

I used a tilt column out of a 72 truck.
Direct fit no mods.
A tilt colunpmn from a 72-78 van will work also.
I bought mine off of Craigslist for $125 two years ago but they are super hard to find now.

[60-66]

To add to and confirm what Mark stated, 1963-1966 Powerglide columns are the same but the true 3 speed auto column is one year only , 1966 C20 only, according to the Chevrolet parts book . In my 1963 I used a powerglide column and Turbo 400 linkage and just left the PG indicator for now. Works perfect. Adjustment is made at the end of the column with the clamp on the shift rod. With the 454 and TH400 its pretty easy to tell what gear your in.