Steering column replacement tips - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

epfatboy · 08-13-2018, 07:45 AM

First time replacing a column and need tips.

1974 C10, already removed 3 on the tree column

Installing a floor shift with tilt column, would like to go with a low cost generic with key if I can find one.

What else do I need to buy to make the install happen. Also what length is best or does it matter?

Truck will be a driver not a show truck

Wwes · 08-13-2018, 11:31 AM

Why are you going generic? They're easy and cheap to find on ebay and some junkyards still have them around. I replaced mine for 200.

As far as the ease, if you go factory style it will be a couple hour operation.

SunSoaked · 08-13-2018, 12:40 PM

Cheap. Reliable. You may choose one.

epfatboy · 08-14-2018, 07:55 AM

Maybe I should have asked a different question.

What year and model columns will interchange? I guess I just figured I would not find a floor shift with tilt that would fit

AtomicYJ · 08-14-2018, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epfatboy

Maybe I should have asked a different question.

What year and model columns will interchange? I guess I just figured I would not find a floor shift with tilt that would fit

I think the split is '73-'77, '78-'83, '84-'87/'91, not positive though. A tilt column for a manual transmission is attainable but not common. I finally got one a few months ago to put in my '83
Posted via Mobile Device

**1957 Chief** · 08-14-2018, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtomicYJ

A tilt column for a manual transmission is attainable but not common. I finally got one a few months ago to put in my '83
Posted via Mobile Device

You are correct brother. I sent my 86 auto shift column in and had it converted to manual. I couldn't find one at all...

Bubba

SunSoaked · 08-14-2018, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1957 Chief

You are correct brother. I sent my 86 auto shift column in and had it converted to manual. I couldn't find one at all...

Bubba

Tilt or non-tilt? I've got a couple manual but I'm still searching for a manual tilt for my 85.

**1957 Chief** · 08-14-2018, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

Tilt or non-tilt? I've got a couple manual but I'm still searching for a manual tilt for my 85.

I sent in an auto tilt column to Wayne at GMtilt and he converted it for me.

Bubba

epfatboy · 08-15-2018, 07:40 AM

I found a guy who will modify a 86 Tilly floor to bolt in. He removes the wiper/bright stalk and plugs the opening.

Will I have any issues with h the shaft or electrical?

RADustin · 08-15-2018, 03:22 PM

I have a column shift tilt from a 76. with cruise control and a wood grain GMC wheel.

SunSoaked · 08-15-2018, 03:48 PM

I just realized I need to quit saying "manual trans" and start saying "floor shift." I completely forgot about those manual shifted columns. However, I never seen one in an 85 & later (newer) truck? Details-details.

**1957 Chief** · 08-15-2018, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

I just realized I need to quit saying "manual trans" and start saying "floor shift." I completely forgot about those manual shifted columns. However, I never seen one in an 85 & later (newer) truck? Details-details.

Just send the column to Wayne at GM tilt (260-450-3158). He will rebuild and convert it.

My truck is an 86.

Bubba

SunSoaked · 08-15-2018, 04:42 PM

I talked to him yesterday. He doesn't have one, and he can't convert a non-tilt to tilt. Auto to manual, yes, but I need a tilt to begin with.

**1957 Chief** · 08-15-2018, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

I talked to him yesterday. He doesn't have one, and he can't convert a non-tilt to tilt. Auto to manual, yes, but I need a tilt to begin with.

AHHHHHHHH sorry, I misread your post.
I sent him one and it was thrashed real bad, so I had to find him another one. Tilt columns are just a PITA sometimes.

Bubba

epfatboy · 08-16-2018, 06:37 AM

Try streeringcolumnpros and see what they can do for you. I just bought an '86 floor with tilt which will bolt in to my '74. He makes it look as stock as possible
Posted via Mobile Device

**MikeB** · 08-19-2018, 11:58 PM

I got a very nice tilt column for my 82 from http://gmtiltsteeringcolumn.com/ Very nice column and super helpful guy.

Of course mine has a column auto trans shift, so you'd have to check with him about a floor shift version.

oltronj · 08-22-2018, 08:44 PM

I have a tilt column out of an 79 with a manual. If you are interested PM me and we can work something out.

dragonball98312 · 08-26-2018, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oltronj

I have a tilt column out of an 79 with a manual. If you are interested PM me and we can work something out.

I used a column out of a 79 in my 73. Will work if you get the steering shaft with it. Then you just undo the rag joint at the box and use your original coupler.

08-13-2018, 07:45 AM	#1
epfatboy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Barrington nh Posts: 117	Steering column replacement tips First time replacing a column and need tips. 1974 C10, already removed 3 on the tree column Installing a floor shift with tilt column, would like to go with a low cost generic with key if I can find one. What else do I need to buy to make the install happen. Also what length is best or does it matter? Truck will be a driver not a show truck

08-13-2018, 11:31 AM	#2
Wwes Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: FL Posts: 144	Re: Steering column replacement tips Why are you going generic? They're easy and cheap to find on ebay and some junkyards still have them around. I replaced mine for 200. As far as the ease, if you go factory style it will be a couple hour operation.

08-13-2018, 12:40 PM	#3
SunSoaked Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Yuma Arizona Posts: 1,525	Re: Steering column replacement tips Cheap. Reliable. You may choose one.

08-14-2018, 07:55 AM	#4
epfatboy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Barrington nh Posts: 117	Re: Steering column replacement tips Maybe I should have asked a different question. What year and model columns will interchange? I guess I just figured I would not find a floor shift with tilt that would fit

08-15-2018, 07:40 AM	#9
epfatboy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Barrington nh Posts: 117	Re: Steering column replacement tips I found a guy who will modify a 86 Tilly floor to bolt in. He removes the wiper/bright stalk and plugs the opening. Will I have any issues with h the shaft or electrical?

08-15-2018, 03:22 PM	#10
RADustin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: New Orleans Posts: 386	Re: Steering column replacement tips I have a column shift tilt from a 76. with cruise control and a wood grain GMC wheel. __________________ 1949 Chevy 3100 P/U http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=302780 1976 GMC Sierra Classic C35 CCSB http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...25#post8188825

08-15-2018, 03:48 PM	#11
SunSoaked Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Yuma Arizona Posts: 1,525	Re: Steering column replacement tips I just realized I need to quit saying "manual trans" and start saying "floor shift." I completely forgot about those manual shifted columns. However, I never seen one in an 85 & later (newer) truck? Details-details. Last edited by SunSoaked; 08-15-2018 at 03:50 PM. Reason: Details

08-15-2018, 04:42 PM	#13
SunSoaked Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Yuma Arizona Posts: 1,525	Re: Steering column replacement tips I talked to him yesterday. He doesn't have one, and he can't convert a non-tilt to tilt. Auto to manual, yes, but I need a tilt to begin with.

08-16-2018, 06:37 AM	#15
epfatboy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Barrington nh Posts: 117	Re: Steering column replacement tips Try streeringcolumnpros and see what they can do for you. I just bought an '86 floor with tilt which will bolt in to my '74. He makes it look as stock as possible Posted via Mobile Device

08-19-2018, 11:58 PM	#16
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,666	Re: Steering column replacement tips I got a very nice tilt column for my 82 from http://gmtiltsteeringcolumn.com/ Very nice column and super helpful guy. Of course mine has a column auto trans shift, so you'd have to check with him about a floor shift version. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350, Vortec heads -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

08-22-2018, 08:44 PM	#17
oltronj Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: worden, montana Posts: 63	Re: Steering column replacement tips I have a tilt column out of an 79 with a manual. If you are interested PM me and we can work something out.



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