Late model steering column into a '72 for PS conv. (1 Viewer)

[Outback]

I'm gonna put a '76 FJ40 steering column in my '72 FJ40 for the PS conversion.

I would like to see detail pics of the firewall mount modifications necessary. I'm not so sure I'm up to the fabbing that will be necessary.

Let me know if anyone has done this and has pics...

Jody.

 

[Outback]

Nobody has done this???? *bump*

 

[Gus]

Jody
I assume, based upon your other posts, you're doing the mini truck PS conversion. While I haven't done the steering column conversion you speak of, I own the remnants of a 66 FJ40, which should have a similar set up to your 72 and have done the mini truck PS conversion to my 79 FJ40. You'll have to alter the opening in the firewall for the steering column to accept the mounting hardwhare/surface of the later column, this will likely involve a little cutting, grinding and drilling, but nothing very complicated. If the 76 is close by, you could use the steering column hole in the fire wall as a reference and make a template for altering the 72 fire wall. I'd imagine removing the old column from the 72 will be the biggest PITA, a blow torch really makes life a lot easier here. When you remove the 76 column take all the fasteners, adapters and brackets, this should make the installation a bit easier. Once you get the column swapped, the rest of the conversion is pretty easy.

 

[dd113]

The late model inner shaft will replace the early model shaft. Just keep taking it apart and eventually you will end up with a shaft. The early shaft will need to be cut off the gear box but the later shaft will have the rag joint on it and will bolt up to the mini box with no issues and no firewall mods at all. The steering tube, turn signals and wheel all remain the same.

 

[ironpig4x4]

I'm contemplating a similar swap. I want to do mini truck or stock LC pwr steering on my '64 and I have a good stock steering wheel that i'd like to keep for the old school look. I like the idea of replacing the early shaft with a late model shaft as proposed.

If I retain the early column steering tube with the later shaft, does the tube need to be modified to accomodate the rag joint? Also, the steering box end of the tube will no longer be supported....

I have a firewall from a later model cruiser that i'm swapping in for a disc brake conversion. I have the column portion as well and could easily include that in my firewall swap. Is there a way to mount the early steering wheel on the later column?

 

[RicardoJM]

If I retain the early column steering tube with the later shaft, does the tube need to be modified to accomodate the rag joint?

I am finishing up the mini-truck conversion on my 1971 FJ40. I swapped out the steering shaft from a 1976. Regarding modifications to the steering column (tube)...

Yes, you will need to trim 6" off the steering box end of the steering column because the original steering column extends all the way to the steering box. You need some room for the rag joint.

You also will want to support the steering shaft inside the steering column. I used a bearing with a 3/4" ID and 1 3/8" OD that I picked up at the hardware store. Several supporting MUD vendors have bearings and or bushings that will work for this.
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[ironpig4x4]

Thanks!

I'm leaning towards the mini myself....

Instead of cutting the tube about 6" shorter to allow for the ragjoint, I might try to cut it short enough to terminate at the firewall.

 

[ironpig4x4]

Looks like I could weld the endplate and last few inches of the tube from a late model column. That way, I can use the late model bushing/bearing and have a clean termination of the tube at the firewall.. Of course, I'd then need to use the latemodel section of the firewall and associated mounting bracket, but I already have that and can install it as part of my power brake conversion....Has anyone tried this?