Steering column help

[dragonball98312]

Im swapping a tilt column from a 73 into my 77. Trying to figure out why the shaft splines are so far into the column? Is it broken? Turning the wheel turnes the shaft

[enaberif]

You have unfortunately discovered one of the differences between these trucks.

73-76 if I recall has a completely different shaft setup. My 74 4x4 steering box is different where it connects at the box compared to later models.

They changed the steering columns at the top to a "D" style setup like you'll see on the later trucks.

You can see the shaft I refer to in this picture where the bolt goes through... These changes also are the reason I can't do the jeep shaft mod on my truck with out swapping boxes..

[dragonball98312]

73-77 are the same. Changed in 78. My problem is the spline shaft should be out quite a bit farther than it is

[dragonball98312]

See the ends where the shaft connects to?

[motornut]

was it a one year change?
I'm curious cause my 78 (glass fuses)is still clamped outer bolt ,
my 79 (blade fuses) is the later threw bolt style.
When I ordered a rag joint for the 78, it made the steering wheel 180 out.
doorman says it's the right joint,wondering is the 77 keyed opposite?

[dragonball98312]

The gear box, shaft and column all came from the same 73 suburban. The shaft isnt the issue. Where the shaft connects to the column being so far into the column collar is the problem. How can I pull it out

[motornut]

Originally Posted by dragonball98312

The gear box, shaft and column all came from the same 73 suburban. The shaft isnt the issue. Where the shaft connects to the column being so far into the column collar is the problem. How can I pull it out

I think somebody had that issue but was able to push it threw from the top.

[dragonball98312]

Hmm interesting. Guess ill be taking it apart