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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: jc74868 on March 24, 2021, 01:08:08 pm
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I'm considering doing a 5 speed swap in my 78 C10 1/2 ton. It's a column shift automatic. I've got my donor brake/pedal setup, but haven't started anything yet other than research. One thing that I haven't really seen addressed is the steering column. Is it best to swap out the steering column from a truck that came w/floor shift, or is there some neat trick you can do w/your current column? Of course, you don't want the old shifter sticking out there, but is there something I can do keep the current steering column that's not too much of a hassle?
I was kinda thinking about just chopping all but the smallest part off of the old shifter. That way I could unlock/lock the wheel and not have to swap out the whole column. Might look a little funny, but would still be useable, yes?
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Swapping the column is best to do. That way it is correct and has the safety feature that you depress to turn the key back to remove it. I have sawed the nub off of the removed shifter on a 72 tilt column and filled it in. Took me more time with the body work than swapping the column out.
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Yea, keep the old column. Be sure to leave it in "park" so the neutral safety switch allows the truck to start. Also the back-up lights need to be rewired to the new shifter.