Tilt Column Assembly Instructions with pictures..the easy way

[randy500]

I had this column sold then when prepping it for shipment it rolled off a makeshift bench I was using (I had the steering wheel installed and went to get a puller)
Well it landed on the shift bowl and cracked it. So I had to blast and paint a new shift bowl, changing the shift bowl requires complete disassembly. I figured I would show you guys how to put one together the-easy-way.

First picture is of the parts laid out for assembly. I have pre-assembled the tilt housing with turn signal switch installed and wiring routed through shift bowl.

[randy500]

The first step is to install the grommets and lower grommet retainer on the housing.
Then install the shift tube in the housing with the foam gasket at the bottom.
After that insert the shift bowl onto the shift tube with the tilt housing and wiring. As shown in this picture.

[randy500]

A closer picture of the upper end...you can install this stuff individually but that’s the hard way...

You can see in this photo how I loop the wiring in the tilt lever so the wiring connector doesn’t interfere with the shift tube as much as it would dangling.

[randy500]

When I installed the shift bowl onto the shift tube I pushed to tube as far out as I could which makes it easy to partially engage the shift bowl onto the tube.
After the partial engagement I rotated the shift tube so that the lower shift lever is against the outer column tube...this allows you to use a rubber mallet to drive the shift bowl onto the shift tube.
Here is a picture

[randy500]

Drive the shift tube on so about 1/8” of the tube protrudes from the bowl as shown in this picture.

[randy500]

This picture shows the order and orientation of the wavy washer, nut plate, flat thrust washer and spring retainer.
You can also see the cracked shift collar I removed and the tool J-22549 which is a shift tube installer, I don’t use the tool because it’s cumbersom and rarely if ever needed.

[randy500]

This picture shows the wavy washer and nut plate installed.
I use grease to attach the wavy washer to the shift bowl while it sits on the 1/8” shift tube stickout.
To install the nut plate tilt it forward and wiggle it in from right to left, you will probably have to push on the wavy washer on the right side to create clearance for the nut plate.

[randy500]

The shift collar was driven onto the shift tube by holding the shift lever while using a rubber mallet to drive on the shift collar until there is clearance for the thrust washer and spring clip.
Spring clip opening towards shifter arm.
I actually had to use the tool to get this one together, maybe it was because the shift collar was not original to this column. I have never had to use the tool before.

[randy500]

Tilt pivot knuckle installed and torqued in an x pattern.
These 4 bolts are what causes a loose column, it’s not bad pins, the bolts loosen up.
Locktite is a good idea. BTW, its these same 4 bolts that cause all GM columns to be loose...the square body columns and car columns are way easier to fix than these old trucks.

[randy500]

Insert the center steering shaft

[randy500]

Carefully install the pivot housing over the center shaft being careful to not hit the shaft on the inner bearing, if you do, you might dislodge some of the ball bearings, carefully tap in the pins. If the pins ar tight just get them started.

[randy500]

Install onto the center shaft the
1. Outer bearing race
2. Split lock
3. Shaft nut

And torque to spec, just like a wheel bearing.
The nut takes a special tool or a snap-on, 15/16”, 6pt, 1/2 drive deep socket, pn TS301.
I use a drill at low speed to install it, go slow since the nut has a plastic lock insert that you don’t want to overheat.

[randy500]

Here I have torqued he center shaft nut, removed the turn signal switch and installed the tilt spring and retainer.
I also verified the tilt mechanism operates smoothly and the center shaft turns smoothly.

[randy500]

Verify your turn signal switch is good and your shift indicator light.
Then use a rubber mallet to drive on the outer cover.
Leave the bulb, bulb cover and filter off for clearance.

[randy500]

Install the lower bearing, retainer and retaining clip then the remainder is just bolt-ons.
Here it is finished....