Steering Column

[timkins]

I am looking to replace the steering column in my 32 Ford sedan. It currently has a GM column with tilt, column shift, emergency flashers, wipers, neutral safety switch, cruise and is about 32" long from the nut that holds the wheel to the splined end at the universal joint. Everyone I check on that has been listed is about 39" in length. I think mine is a 84-94 truck column but I am not positive as it was in the car when I acquired it. Is there a manual or something that give the various dimensions so I can narrow my search down?

[crdnblu]

If you're unable to find specs, or a replacement, the attached PDF file may assist you in rebuilding/repairing yours.  I believe that it is worth viewing:

http://www.diyfiero.com/dropspot/Jazzman_Steering_Rack_Rebuild.pdf

[enjenjo]

What is the problem with the old column? They are usually easy to fix.

[timkins]

It is just generally sloppy. If you pull on the top of the wheel when it is in the most upright position, it will snap down to the lower most position. I just thought it would be easier to replace than to repair. I will look at the PDF file that crdnblu sent and maybe I will try and tackle it myself. I posted last fall and Wayne sent me some information then. I am just preparing to start when the weather in upstate NY gets a little better. Thanks for the info.

[Digger]

For what it's worth, a GM S10 column is right around 34 inches.

[wayne petty]

the last time i had a gm column do that...


the pin that the tilt latch fingers  catch..had slid out to the side...

i drove it back in after taking it all apart.. and it held for many years...

you do have to really get almost everything off the column..  including pulling the tilt pivots pins..

you have to pull this part off

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/ui/imgs/hsg/01.jpg

you can see the pin at the top of this image

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/ui/imgs/hsg/09.jpg

you don't have to pull the shaft to do this usually...


this is not really hard to do.. but it takes a few hours...

its not worth replacing the column over...  if you pick up a spare column.. that has the same configuration as the one in your car.. you can use it for parts...  

if the column was wobbly... it would just be the screws holding the lower housing to the end of the tube..  but pulling off the tilt latch...  its just a slightly different problem..


i found the images above on this site..

http://stolenandrecovered.com/parts2/gm.php


and they have videos...

http://www.stolenandrecovered.com/video/index.php


you will also need a few tools.... like these

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42031

and a tilt pin puller...

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&source=hp&q=tilt+pin+puller&oq=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=LK5kS5zdEI6wsgP41sHuAQ&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CB0QrQQwAg

funny.. these were 2 bucks last week at harbor freight..

i usually stick a screw in and use a pair of wire cutters to pop them out.. after i pull the big spring under the cover ...