Steering column / wheel fitment - 72'

[JustJay]

Working on replacing the steering wheel on my 72.' I purchased the beautifully restored steering wheel from Birdhead a couple of years ago and it's been sitting around. I've been using a temp unrestored one and saved Birdhead's as one of the last pieces to the interior puzzle of the restoration. But, now that I'm going to put it on it doesn't seem like it fits the end of the shaft right. Seems like there is going to be an odd space between the last steering column fitting (with the turn signal) and the steering wheel. I'm wondering if there is a coupling that I'm missing or if I've got the wrong end (era) on my steering shaft.?. - That has certainly been the case plenty of times on this rebuild where the PO used different year parts.

I've looked around on forums, SOR and Toyota spec sheets but can't really find the answer I'm looking for. I know that the steering column setup changed in late 72' but mine is the earlier version (or at least it should be as the truck is a 5/72). I can confirm that the new wheel is year appropriate (72') and a 33 spline.

I did find a photo of someone selling a restored shaft/wheel on Ebay and the "coupler" setup looks different than mine. (See photo attached). Can anyone tell me if I need to purchase different components and if so, point me in the right direction?

I'm sure someone far more knowledgeable than me will be able to identify my problem instantly. Thanks!

J

 

[firemanj92]

What "coupler" are you referring to? I only see the steering wheel and the blinker housing. The coupler I see is from the blinker rod that travels down steering column and attaches to blinker housing.



Or you may just have a later steering column that matched the later wheel you have. I'm pretty sure you can just move the whole blinker assembly (the bottom is just clamped on and so is the top.

FJ40, FJ45 and FJ55 Land Cruiser Switches, Relays and Flashers - 1968-7/80 - Specter Off-Road - https://www.sor.com/cat/182

 

[pb4ugo]

I think the wheel with the horn buttons on the spokes should be for the later model 40. Have you counted the splines. Is there evidence that the steering shaft has been altered or changed. I believe the 72 steering shaft and box would be a 1 piece unit. No rag joint.

 

[timmyisinthewell]

I have a Jan. '72 build truck I bought in Oct. '78 and am the second owner. Does your steering wheel shaft look like this? You're steering wheel bottom appears to look like mine, but it is a later wheel.
The steering wheels and shafts were 33 spline count after 07/69. Your column, as mentioned, should not have a rag joint.

 

[JustJay]

Sorry for the confusion. The wheel that is currently installed is a temp one that is definitely not the right vintage. Here is a pic of the front of my new one. Also, some other photos that should help clarify what I'm working with.

I don't believe I have a rag joint on my current setup.

I'll endeavor to pull off the temp wheel later today and get a better look at the shaft / splines but I believe there are 33 (based on previous time I had it off).

Sounds like my suspicion is correct that I've got the "wrong" (or at least part of the wrong) shaft setup.

 

[pb4ugo]

Looking at your last pics, you don't have a rag joint. I think you need to count the splines on both the wheel and the shaft. Looking at @timmyisinthewell chart it shows the 3/69 to 7/69 wheel has 36 splines. I wonder if your replacement wheel is for that earlier model. If it was sold to have 33 splines and it has 36, then I would talk to birdhead for a possible trade.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Jul72 No rag joint. Broken off turn lever - when the self canceling mechanism tried to cause an accident many years ago - adrenaline powered strong arm steering saved the day but self canceling mechanism destroyed.

 

[JustJay]

So, I pulled the old wheel off and indeed both the new wheel and shaft are 33 spline. I was able to put the new wheel on and it fit fairly well. No spline issue. I'm not convinced that it's the right blinker hub but, given the fit will ride with it for now. If anyone has any suggestions for a better fit with the blinker hub let me know. Otherwise, on to the horn button assembly.....

 

[firemanj92]

You can adjust the height of the blinker assembly. Just loosen the bottom clamp and upper clamp (under dash) and slide it upward. It looks like you have room on the upper column to reduce the space. I believe my blinker assembly rides at the top of the column.

As a safety note: pull the little blinker cancel pin out under the steering wheel. Like @charliemeyer007 and many others have stated it is a death wish. It can lock up your wheel mid turn and is quite scary-look at the carnage it caused to his column