steering column question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**richard2717** · 05-03-2016, 05:12 PM

Hey guys
I am usually on the 67-72 side but I do have a 79 short bed that I have been working on over the years as well. The truck was originally 6 cyl 3 speed on column but I changed it over to a 400 sb and th400 transmission from ATI. When I did all that I took out the original 3 speed column and went to the junkyard to get a 4 speed column ( I put a B&M Megashifter in). The column came out of an 85'. I put the column in the truck but it seems like it is not right for the truck and is to short. I pulled hard enough on it to get the dash bolts installed that i guess I broke the linkage in the ignition switch assembly. the only way I can get the truck to start is with remote switch on starter. I replaced the ignition switch at base of column figuring it was bad, but it still wont start from column. This is my 1st time working on a square and could use some help figuring it out. Did they change something about the columns from 79 to 85?

thanks
Richard

NJ C10 Guy · 05-03-2016, 05:54 PM

The intermediate shaft changed in 79 (i think) from a splined to a double D.

I also know that 84 and up have the dimmer switch and wiper switch on the stalk.

I'm not sure about the length though. I thought they were all the same.

Do you have any pictures? I'm curious where you're getting hung up.

**richard2717** · 05-03-2016, 06:53 PM

I can't seem to locate any pictures and I am going by memory here. The truck is in my storage garage and i have a mound of stuff in front of it at the moment. I wanted to get it out in a few weeks and try to get it finished up so I figured I would get a jump start on this lingering issue. The only way I could get it to install was to bolt the rag joint up before I tried to get the bolts under the dash. If I recall right it was lacking about an inch or so of going on stress free. Then I had to sit in the seat and pull for all I was worth to get it to come back far enough for my uncle to get the bolts in. Before doing that I took it back to the junkyard but they swore they should be the same. By this point I had already given my 3 speed column to a buddy that needed it so I had no reference points. IF the columns changed design after 79' then I guess I need to locate the correct one, is my guess. I certainly don't need it to break being already stressed the 1st time I decide to play with the new 400.

Richard

**1774btcrew** · 05-03-2016, 08:29 PM

The columns are the same length. One thing I have ran into is if the donor vehicle has been in a frontal accident. Not only does the main shaft collapse but the outer tube will collapse as well. I have bought columns before not noticing this. Also your intermediate shaft(between the steering box and column) collapses. An inch of collapsing isn't uncommon.

**richard2717** · 05-04-2016, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1774btcrew

The columns are the same length. One thing I have ran into is if the donor vehicle has been in a frontal accident. Not only does the main shaft collapse but the outer tube will collapse as well. I have bought columns before not noticing this. Also your intermediate shaft(between the steering box and column) collapses. An inch of collapsing isn't uncommon.

Well it did come from the junkyard and the truck had no front clip on it so that scenario is very possible. If that is the case, I assume I need to locate a new intermediate shaft from column to steering box, or is the whole column unusable?

Not knowing what I am looking for, is there an easy way to tell if the pcs are collapsed?

thanks guys

05-03-2016, 05:12 PM	#1
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 10,009	steering column question Hey guys I am usually on the 67-72 side but I do have a 79 short bed that I have been working on over the years as well. The truck was originally 6 cyl 3 speed on column but I changed it over to a 400 sb and th400 transmission from ATI. When I did all that I took out the original 3 speed column and went to the junkyard to get a 4 speed column ( I put a B&M Megashifter in). The column came out of an 85'. I put the column in the truck but it seems like it is not right for the truck and is to short. I pulled hard enough on it to get the dash bolts installed that i guess I broke the linkage in the ignition switch assembly. the only way I can get the truck to start is with remote switch on starter. I replaced the ignition switch at base of column figuring it was bad, but it still wont start from column. This is my 1st time working on a square and could use some help figuring it out. Did they change something about the columns from 79 to 85? thanks Richard Attached Images __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.

05-03-2016, 05:54 PM	#2
NJ C10 Guy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 437	Re: steering column question The intermediate shaft changed in 79 (i think) from a splined to a double D. I also know that 84 and up have the dimmer switch and wiper switch on the stalk. I'm not sure about the length though. I thought they were all the same. Do you have any pictures? I'm curious where you're getting hung up.

05-03-2016, 06:53 PM	#3
richard2717 Equal opportunity joke ofender Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Shore of MD Posts: 10,009	Re: steering column question I can't seem to locate any pictures and I am going by memory here. The truck is in my storage garage and i have a mound of stuff in front of it at the moment. I wanted to get it out in a few weeks and try to get it finished up so I figured I would get a jump start on this lingering issue. The only way I could get it to install was to bolt the rag joint up before I tried to get the bolts under the dash. If I recall right it was lacking about an inch or so of going on stress free. Then I had to sit in the seat and pull for all I was worth to get it to come back far enough for my uncle to get the bolts in. Before doing that I took it back to the junkyard but they swore they should be the same. By this point I had already given my 3 speed column to a buddy that needed it so I had no reference points. IF the columns changed design after 79' then I guess I need to locate the correct one, is my guess. I certainly don't need it to break being already stressed the 1st time I decide to play with the new 400. Richard __________________ Members I have met. Dually Jams, OlBlue60, ScottH, Tommyboy24, Dujobo, Warbucket, 2003 Silverado, Notsolo, my90k5, 6t727t2, Special-K ,Jack_71C10, tabarcus,72blazer_mud_bogger,pwdcougar,RSavage,EricSean,1Rippen6,invicta455,tennaragtop71,arks, Kendal,Bennett68C10, Perpendicular, Chainsawman, McGeesCustomMinis,ShortbedClayton,longblue72,6768chevylover,Tim71,Travisarmenta,Ol' Drippy,fleetmitch,georgieb51,Dave,bcnya2,Dadsburb https://paypal.me/6772GMtruckparts Most women like the strong, silent type… Fortunately for me, my wife prefers the out-of-shape, mouthy type.

05-03-2016, 08:29 PM	#4
1774btcrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 4,564	Re: steering column question The columns are the same length. One thing I have ran into is if the donor vehicle has been in a frontal accident. Not only does the main shaft collapse but the outer tube will collapse as well. I have bought columns before not noticing this. Also your intermediate shaft(between the steering box and column) collapses. An inch of collapsing isn't uncommon. __________________ AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck.



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