Need help, changing steering colums

[dyoung14]

Can anyone please help me, give me instructions on how to change the steering colum in my 86, and will one out of an 84 work its an auto, but that dont matter right? and can i use a steering wheel off an 89?

 

[gonecrazyi]

Yes, 84 column ill work as well as the 89 wheel. You can use the auto column just have to remove the gear selector. I have one in mine because i didn't feel like rebuilding the manual one again.

There are internal differnces between the manual and auto columns but overall most things can be swapped if you get creative. My last column was rebuilt using an auto column it just wore out again so i just tossed the auto one in an left it.

 

[gonecrazyi]

As for pulling the column, just take out the bolts on the firewall inside the cab, then remove the two bolts holding it to the dash. Other than that it will pull right out once the wires and possible linkage are removed.

 

[Sycostang67]

Up until 92, I think the columns are pretty much the same. I used a turn signal switch from a 90 truck with cruise/5spd in my 85 with no cruise/auto, and they both had all the same wires.

 

[dyoung14]

So really all i have to do to youe the auto colum is just put it in right? do i have to modify anything?

 

[gonecrazyi]

You'll will have to tie up the gear selector under the hood to keep it from falling since it will no longer. Be supported by the tranny linkage.

 

[bike-maker]

This would be a good opportunity to do a firewall reinforcement plate. I've got an 89 steering column in my 84. It was plug and play, even with the cruise control.

 

[Dieselcrawler]

You'll will have to tie up the gear selector under the hood to keep it from falling since it will no longer. Be supported by the tranny linkage.

no it will stay up. i still have the auto column in mine after swaping it for the 4 speed. it is nice not having to push that stupid button to get the key out like on the manual columns.

also i had an idea for the auto shifter. gona hook a cable to it, the over to the IP. have a hand throttle, just like a old tractor!

 

[dyoung14]

Well i have an 84 model auto colum and an 90 model auto colum, so i will decide which one i want to use and throw it in there, thanks guys! so how does th colum hook to the steering? anything i got to worry about?

 

[Dieselcrawler]

Well i have an 84 model auto colum and an 90 model auto colum, so i will decide which one i want to use and throw it in there, thanks guys! so how does th colum hook to the steering? anything i got to worry about?

if i remeber right it is a slip joint like a a driveshaft. need 2 people to hook back up.

 

[dyoung14]

if i remeber right it is a slip joint like a a driveshaft. need 2 people to hook back up.

Why 2 people?

 

[Dieselcrawler]

one to hold column inside and push while the other lines up the shaft in the engine bay.

 

[dyoung14]

one to hold column inside and push while the other lines up the shaft in the engine bay.

10-4, thanks! so it just slides in? nothing holds it? it just sets there?

 

[Dieselcrawler]

if u dont unbolt it from the steering box, yes. has a slip joint just like a driveshaft does. just make sure steering wheel is straight before removing old one, and install new one same way.

 

[redneckaggie]

mine has a bolt that just tightens down and presses on the inner shaft to hold it on