Steering columns - interchangeable and compatible

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dtrain

dtrain

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I need some help from the guru's of interchangeability and compatibility

I was "shopping" for a new steering column to put in my '69 55. Someone was selling a steering column out of a '78 FJ40. They looked identical (could not see the wiring though). The person I was emailing with mentioned that they are most likely the same but, it didn’t sound like he was 100% sure.

This led me to my next thought... A tilt column would be really nice. Maybe there is a 40 or 55 column that would swap right across (I realize wiring may need to be worked out but, not a huge issue). I thought about a GMC or other manf. column but, would like to stay LC if possible.

It seems like there is a buzz that some (maybe even a lot) 40 and 55 parts are interchangeable but, I had trouble actually answering the above question about the columns.

School me please!
 
A 55 column is a little longer than a 40's.

I have a tilt column that I got out of a 80's camero that will nearly bolt strait up into my 40. It may do the same for a 55. The only thing is most everything in my 40 is Chebby. So take what I said with a grain of salt.

Here is a link to Jack Rice's page. He has done most every thing imaginable and documented it.
 
Thanks... this is good stuff.

I was trying to keep is LC but, I keep leaning toward a column a guy down the street is selling out of a 97 GMC for $75.
 
Good call Nick - glad my threads are useful.

The biggest diff btwn 40 and 55 columns are the fact that the 55 column is splined at the end for the intermediate shaft. 40 column is ready to recieve rag joint...

attachment.php
 
PabloCruise said:
Good call Nick - glad my threads are useful.
Click to expand...

Well TJ with as much knowledge as you have and as little as I have I figure I can leech off of you, and make myself look good. :flipoff2: :D
 
PabloCruise - thats for the info... that is a great piece of knowledge and deterant for me to pursue a 40 column.

Thanks!!
Damon
 
would a 60 series work? it has a u joint end and tilt
 
3_puppies said:
would a 60 series work? it has a u joint end and tilt
Click to expand...

Here is what 60 looks like:

At the firewall (bucket is different)

attachment.php


Not sure if it wil fit in a 40 column housing. Collapsable:

attachment.php


Intermediate shaft is longer than FJ55

attachment.php
 
PabloCruise - Once again....thank you! It is starting to feel like this project could take a while... unless you are coming to the Bay Area any time soon!!! :)

I have started searching around for some 55 columns...
 
dtrain said:
PabloCruise - Once again....thank you! It is starting to feel like this project could take a while... unless you are coming to the Bay Area any time soon!!! :)

I have started searching around for some 55 columns...
Click to expand...

I am not sure what you are trying to do with this project? :confused:
 
Steering column

I picked up a steering column out of a 92 mini truck with the thoughts of converting my 55 over. From what I have seen, the splines are the same on the ends of the steering box and steering shaft. When I got te column home, I realized that it is going to take quite a bit of fabrication to make it fit.
 
PabloCruise said:
I am not sure what you are trying to do with this project? :confused:
Click to expand...

The blinker assemble in my 69/70 is all fugged up. I was looking for a new asseble but, they are rather hard to come by so, my next thought was... how can I replace this column with a ton of fabrication

In a nut shell - I would like to either find a 69/70 blinker assemble or replace the column with a little fabrication as possible and at the same time gain some creature comforts like tilt.


Yotahilux said:
I picked up a steering column out of a 92 mini truck with the thoughts of converting my 55 over. From what I have seen, the splines are the same on the ends of the steering box and steering shaft. When I got te column home, I realized that it is going to take quite a bit of fabrication to make it fit.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the contribution!
 
I got a blinker assembly for my 76 from the dealer no problem.
 
Good to know... how much was it though? I can't imagine it was that cheap.

This is my wheeler... so spending larger dollars on parts like a blinker could most likely be utilized for other items like a cage, chromo axles & ctms, etc...
 
Like 80 bucks or something. So ya, kinda high. Easier than fabbing a whole new column though.
 
That price is not all that bad.... I may put some effort into that... I was thinking somewhere in the $200+ range
 
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