Turn Switch

[theaddictedchef]

I am new here and I just bought (yesterday) a 73 4x4 that is in great shape.  It needs a couple of things, but I am very happy with the drive train and the 4x4 work that was done. 

Here is my question.  The turn switch is broken inside the column and I need to replace that.  I can't tell if the whole mechanism needs to be replaced or just the arm out of the column.  It looks like the plastic housing has settled inside the column so there is no way to tell without pulling the wheel and getting in there.  I saw the post on pulling the wheel and assembly but where can I get these parts?  How much should I pay?  I'm in Phoenix, any suggestions?  What years are compatible with this?  Any answers would be helpful, and any info you want to include that I didn't ask would be helpful as well. 

Thanks guys!

[bake74]

     The only way as you stated is pulling the wheel and getting into the column.  Do you have the broken turn signal handle, or is it just missing ?  You said you saw the post, is it this one in the tech section ?                                                                                                                      http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,12525.0.html
     You can get the part from an automotive parts store, online like from rock auto, or from a wrecking yard, or like a pick-n-pull yard if you have any around there. ( if the handle is just broken, but the base which is attached to the actual mechanism is intact, you will just need the handle)
     As far as the tools go, they are pretty common, any place that sells tools should have them.

[VileZambonie]

For a 73 column you will need to pull the wheel and use a lock plate depresser to remove the snap ring and lock plate. The turn signal lever is retained by a screw on the 73  column and 3 screws plus the hazrd switch need to come out too. The new switch will most likely not have correct connector so you'll need to repin it to the old connector (at the base side of the column. You will need to snake it through with some mechanics wire. It's a good time to tighten up your column if it's a loose tilt.

[theaddictedchef]

I read both replies and I really appreciate it. 

Yes, that is the post I was talking about.  The pics were great and I think this will be a fairly easy replacement.  I found the replacement cam at Autozone for $31.  It comes with the cam, the actual switch, the arm, and some other things.  The store around the corner has them in stock. 

No tilt wheel on my truck, but I appreciate the thought about that.  My auto gearshift handle is loose and I am not sure if I can tighten that while I'm in there, so any comments about that would certainly be welcomed.

I am going to post some pics as I do this just in case anyone else has the same question.  I can't believe the info that I found on this forum, it has been fantastic. 

Here are some more questions:

Truck will not crank after it has been sitting for a while.  The neutral lock switch seems tight.  The starter cranks with no problem with a screwdriver.  It does have an alarm that is a real cheap piece of junk and I think that might be the problem, but the concern I have is that whoever installed it spliced into the harness.  It never ceases to amaze me how some guys do things.  I read a post about splicing into wires instead of creating a circuit and what a mistake that is. 

Heater is dc'd in the engine, heater hoses bypassed and the whole heater is dc'd.  Guy said the blower motor made noise so he dc'd it.  If I need a new blower is that a big project?

Speedo works, Fuel guage bounces around and is about 1/4 off (ran out of gas tonight bc of it).  None of the other guages work.  No oil pressure, temp, charge, aftermarket tach....nada.  Because they all don't work, I am thinking it is a wiring problem.  Is my guess right?

Thanks again for the replies.