Steering column? Installing mini PS

[AJFJ40]

I'm in the process of installing a mini PS setup on a 1970 FJ40 and was going to change the column out to one from a 76 FJ40. Are there any issues with doing? It looks like I will need to do some modifications at the firewall. Will the turn signals wire in to the existing and does anyone know how to make the wiring connections? Any thoughts or past experiences would be appreciated.

 

[Pin_Head]

Yes.
1) The turn signals are incompatible

2) The stock '76 column is about 3/4 inch too long, so you have to space it away from the firewall anc closer to the driver.

You are better off cutting the one you have and welding on a rag joint.

 

[AJFJ40]

Are there aftermarket steering wheels that are smaller than the original?

 

[65swb45]

THoughts.

1. I have not done this conversion, but it doesn't sound impossible.

2. I think that if you didn't mind cutting the firewall mounting provisions off of the 76 column, you could then 'hang' it the same as you would an earlier column, and bush it the same to support the shaft inside the column.

3. Most Toyota wiring is color-coded, and I would think that the turn signal wiring stayed the same. The earlier turn signal switch had 6 or 7 individual wires for the fronts, rears, dash indicators; the 76 had not so many. So you would have to splice different wires together that were not originally set up to run together. This may cause blinker issues; then again, it may not.

4. You definitely have more steering wheel options with a 76 column.

5. 1970 steering wheels and columns are retro cool.

6. If you decide to use the 76 column, I would be interested in your 1970 steering wheel and steering box.

Best

Mark A.

 

[brew8]

I did this conversion on a 70 fj and it wasn't that bad, you will have to modify the firewall and rewire the turn signals, just get both wiring diagrams and work it out ahead of time, you may also want to change the bright dim switch for the lights and get them off the floor. Larry

 

[Pin_Head]

The wiring incompatibility is a pretty big deal. You have 4 options.

1. Convert to the '75 and later brake, hazard, turn and tail light circuits.
2. Find a way to fit the '71 turn switch into the later column.
3. Use a 5 wire to 4 wire trailer converter to make the '76 signals compatible with the 71 chassis.
3. Use a GM column that has wiring compatible with your 71.

If you search, there are a lot of threads trying to deal with this issue.

 

[sonnydaze]

i just put mini ps on my 67,i cut the colum and welded on the rag joint flang.i moved the wheel about 3inches in and put a pilot 15 inch wheel on it,i love my set up it fits me perfect

 

[Coolerman]

I just put mini PS on my 67. I cut the column and welded on the rag joint flange. I also moved the wheel about 3 inches in and put a Pilot 15 inch wheel on it. I love my set up, it fits me perfect!

Cool! Got pics of this install? If so we all would love to see them. You should write this up to be put in the FAQ!

Where did you source the rag joint flange? Part #?

 

[sonnydaze]

i just got new kodak cam for christmas and when i try to post pics it says they have to be 800/800 and i need to reformat but as soon as can find out how to use cam ,id love to post pics.
the mini ps swap took me about 3hours,first thing is you have to pull the fender ,then pull pitman arm,then drill revets out of old steering box bracket and cut colum 2inches fromsteering box(dont worry about getting 2inches dead on because you still have to cut more when its out)take old box out put new box and bracket in,put rag joint onbox and and find length you want your colum(i slide my colum next to box until i got the lenght i wanted and then marked it)then cut your colum and weld on rag jount flang bolt flang to rag joint ,install pump and lines but fender back on and your done

 

[sonnydaze]

my rag joint flang i got from classic cruisers but i would just make my own next time ,its a piece of 1/4 inch steel plate cut to a circle with hole in center with 2 inch of correct id pipe welded in center and then 4 holes drilled in it

 

[AJFJ40]

Rag Joint Flange

Well I got the box and column out tonight. I think I will stay with the existing column and was wandering what is the best source for the rag joint flange? Also, what supports the cloumn and shaft at the gear box end since this column doesn't attach to the firewall?

 

[sonnydaze]

i got my rag joint flange from classiccruisers.com but jtoutfitters also sells them the column is supported by the gearbox and the bracket under dash
if you need help you can call me i pm you my #

 

[sonnydaze]

ill try to gets some pic posted wed if i cant get them to 800/800 i could email them toyou ajfj40

 

[sonnydaze]

i forgot to tell you you need the bearring that goes into column around shaft to keep things in line,both places have them to

 

[Coolerman]

You ever get those pics resized? I would be interested in see them! you could also email them to me coolerman@qx.net I'll be happy to resize them and post them.

 

[bbalbano]

Pics Pics Pics

Im about to do this, Ive been holding off because Im scared to cut my steering column. Some pics would prob give me the confidence to do it....

Post em PLEASE!!!