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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: lt1kicker on August 27, 2007, 03:16:35 pm

Title: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: lt1kicker on August 27, 2007, 03:16:35 pm

When I first got my truck I posted about wondering if the four-spoke steering wheels from a later model (88-94) full-size would fit in a '79 Scottsdale.  I was told it would. 

I bought a nice wheel out of a '93 or '94 1500 this past weekend and took it home.  To my dismay it appears that the holes do not line up on the older steering column (just looking at the center of the steering wheel).  Did I get the wrong wheel, or would it have to be retrofitted?  Any help/guidance would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: VileZambonie on August 27, 2007, 09:56:41 pm

What holes are you talking about? The steering shaft is splined and has a nut holding it on.

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: Blazin on August 28, 2007, 05:16:31 am

It should slide right on there. I am 99% sure the center hole is the same diamiter and spline.

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: Captkaos on August 28, 2007, 10:49:18 am

They used the same basic Saginaw column for every GM vehicle from 1969 up to 1994 (non-airbag version.)  They used them on Jeeps too....  The wheel should fit on there fine.

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: lt1kicker on August 28, 2007, 11:44:08 am

Ok, I was confused on what all held the wheel in place.  I look at it again and it appears just the castle nut is what actually holds it in place.  Can't wait to get this done, the wheel I got is pretty nice. 

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: Blazin on August 28, 2007, 09:14:19 pm

The key switch in my 86 is from an 88 wrangler. ;D

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: lt1kicker on August 29, 2007, 04:59:09 pm

Put my wheel on in no time last night.  If I had all the right tools laid out it would have taken a fraction of the half-hour it took me ;D

It looks a lot better.

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: ccz145a on August 29, 2007, 06:07:01 pm

Please post a picture to let us know what this looks like. I might want to do this swap, too. My wheel is all gummy and excreting a weird sticky substance.

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: Blazin on August 30, 2007, 06:53:21 pm

Laquer thinner will clean that stuff right off. Castrol Super Clean also works pretty good too, but seams to leave a film of its own behind.

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: okuma on September 01, 2007, 01:56:05 pm

here are some pix of my custom leather wrapped steering wheel.(http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r150/OKUMA111/DSC07861.jpg) (http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r150/OKUMA111/DSC07863.jpg)

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: lt1kicker on September 05, 2007, 04:39:47 pm

Here's the wheel.  I haven't even cleaned it up yet, but I'm very happy with the improvement.  Next project is replacing all or most of the dash, including cover, gauges, etc. 

(http://www.9c1.net/forum/uploads/1186954322/med_gallery_62_6_1023136.jpg)

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: elegy_c10 on September 05, 2007, 06:02:54 pm

im not sure...but my truck has an entire steering column out of an 85. its an 78

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: 1973c20 on September 05, 2007, 06:29:17 pm

Quote from: ccz145a on August 29, 2007, 06:07:01 pm

Please post a picture to let us know what this looks like. I might want to do this swap, too. My wheel is all gummy and excreting a weird sticky substance.

My '73 C20 has the same gummy steering wheel problem  :-\ I have an '89 Wrangler that has a GM steering column in it and oddly enough the steering wheel on that also gets sticky when its humid  ???

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: Dave Kay on September 30, 2007, 01:11:47 pm

Okuma, where'd you get that spiffy looking steering wheel? WAY sharp!

Title: Re: Swapping late model steering wheel into '79 3/4 ton?
Post by: okuma on October 01, 2007, 11:30:32 am

Edited- all for sale items go in the Classified boards.