FOLLOW UP / WRAP UP
I just wrapped up my resolution to this problem: I bought 2 other steering columns at auto wreckers from low mileage trucks. They were surprisingly inexpensive ($25 each or so)! The one I installed was from a low mileage automatic truck without tilt steering (my truck is 5 speed and tilt). I completely disassembled the column, cleaned everything, and applied liberal amounts of grease wherever it was needed. Then, I removed the auto shifter and JB welded the hole in the column. Ditto for the ignition key switch..... now a totally smooth column. Note that I also installed the mid-shaft from the same low mileage truck (the original had a fair bit of play in it). Then, I replaced the ignition switch under the dash with a pair of relays (turned on by one single toggle switch), and also an Ebay PUSH START switch..... looks and works great! I replaced the OEM glow plug light (which looked really dim on this truck) with a 1" LED Bullet light..... nice and bright, and no mistaking if the glow plugs are firing or not! Then, I made a simple adapter for my MOMO steering wheel....... looks great and feels even better!
Two things left to do:
1)relocate the horn button to the dash. Once that's done, there's already a two position toggle switch that'll allow me to choose my horn tone..... either 4 Cadillac horns to tell 'em who's boss, OR a Toyota Corolla horn, for a friendly beep!
2) install a 'kill' switch under the dash...... the truck no longer has an ignition key, and although I'd be surprised if anyone wanted to steal this truck based on how it looks from the outside, it'd still be a drag to have to walk home from wherever I was when it was stolen!
Final outcome: no play in the "up / down" of the steering wheel (but still a small amount of play in the OEM steering box). Turn signals work like a brand new truck again (old ones wouldn't cancel one way), and a truck that's even more fun to drive than any of my other vehicles.
You must be registered for see images attach
.
