Steering Column Conversion

[wboszak]

I recently picked up an 86 C20 2wd.  Previous owner converted from automatic to manual transmission.  He didn't convert the steering column though.  I am looking for a new cover for the existing column to replace the automatic shift, an OEM column without the automatic or a custom column that would easily fit.  Any suggestions?  How difficult is the remove and replacement of the column if a simple cover cannot be found?

[HAULIN IT]

Changing the whole column is easier if you get one with a key or get a locksmith to make one for you. Disassembling them is not that difficult, however there are a few special tools needed (steering wheel puller,lock plate pusher,ect) The whole column can be changed with a phillips screwdriver,10mm,15mm deepwell & maybe some other simple hand tools. If you try to buy the part new, it will cost more than a used column in most cases. A manual floor shift column isn't the most popular, however should not be that hard to come up with. Lorne

[Hank Hill]

I dont have a parts catologue in front of me but if I remember right even though those coloumns look a like there are differences between 73-87.
Example 73 was one type, 74 to late 70s was another.
What wears out in them anyways? Example on my one truck the coloumn is tight but the steering wheel tends to squeek a little bit. Doesnt hurt anything but its kind of annoying. Any idea whats causeing the squeek?

[Restrorob]

I have the same problem, Haven't found a standard bell or column for my 74. I plan on smoothing the bell and fill the hole in, It needs paint before re-install anyway.

[Dragon]

If you want to use your Original column, I would suggest one of these.
A Monte Carlo Column Bowl:

Found here:
http://www.dixiemontecarlodepot.com/items/DM00227.html
GM pretty much used the same basic column design in it's cars/trucks/vans/etc.  since the mid/late 1960's, to the early 2000, just with different lengths,spline count,shaft diameter....  The majority of the internal and external parts interchange with all the different ones....

A Chilton/Hayne manual covers enough info on how to get down to where you need to be in the column, but when indoubt I would suggest refering to their diagrams, and pictures...

[76_Scottsdale]

I'm looking to do the opposite install. I just swapped in a 700r4 into my 4 speed truck and I would like to find a automatic column to swap in for the shifter. My column is in perfect shape for someone who would want to swap. The problem is that I want a column with a 4 speed indicator, but with no cruise control or windshield wiper controls on the turn signal and it needs tilt. Any tips?

[HAULIN IT]

76 Scottsdale, The column you need is from any 73-81or82 auto column, the ones with the wipers on the dash. The 4speed indicator is in the gauge cluster & hooks on the column with a little clip & cable the same as the older 3speed ones. The 4speed indicator has been discontinued from GM, so a junkyard crawl maybe in order. Lorne

[Fordeatinz71]

man, my truck has the EXACT column you want...except for it having cruise which is easily fixable.  see, the '83 was the last year the wiper switch was dash-mounted.  IIRC you are gonna need a 82-83 column...because the 700R4 column needs a little bit more travel to hit all the gears...don't know if you can adjust a standard auto column to work...there's a lot of good j/ys around Graham/Tacoma.  shipping wouldn't kill ya too bad or heck, just make it a road-trip!

[zieg85]

I put a newer 85 tilt in an old 82...  I converted the dimmer and wipers to the column as well, no biggie... 

[werewolfx13]

I think you can use a 3 spd column for a 700r4, the indicators just dont look the same. I've driven a truck with a 700r4 that still had a th350/400 column and indicator. Reverse and neutral were lined up, Drive was overdrive, 2 was Drive, 1 was 2, and the blank area past 1 was 1. I didn't have any reason to use that spot, so I don't know for sure that it worked, but everything else worked fine.