Swapping to later model steering box and column

[msapers]

Hi All,

What all is involved in swapping the one piece steering box and column on my 72 to a later model FJ40 manual box and column? I'm planning to run electric power steering, so I'd have to cut the original column anyway and I figure someone could use it for restoration instead. Plus, I'd like a collapsible column and the ignition switch on the column vs on the dash as it is now. Will the later manual box bolt to the 1972 steering box perch? Anything else I need to look out for? Columns are available but is there a go to source for a later box? My search didn't yield much on this topic.

 

[Jdc1]

Box will mount right up to the frame, then you’ll need to recreate the firewall support from a later truck and source a column. City Racers kit is a lot more user friendly than the DIY EPS box of parts.

 

[matzell]

I cut the firewall plate off a later one, used a mount like this and welded it up doing a 60 series swap in a 72 and had the newer column with key.

Steering Column Plate for 1958-1972 Toyota Land Cruisers with Saginaw Power-Steering Conversions - Landcruiser Parts

Steering Column Plate for 1958-1972 Toyota Land Cruisers with Saginaw Power-Steering Conversions. For use on pre-1972 when converting to power-steering.

manafrelv.com

 

[Jdc1]

I cut the firewall plate off a later one, used a mount like this and welded it up doing a 60 series swap in a 72 and had the newer column with key.

Steering Column Plate for 1958-1972 Toyota Land Cruisers with Saginaw Power-Steering Conversions - Landcruiser Parts

Steering Column Plate for 1958-1972 Toyota Land Cruisers with Saginaw Power-Steering Conversions. For use on pre-1972 when converting to power-steering.

manafrelv.com

The later plate welded to the BTB plate?

 

[matzell]

The later plate welded to the BTB plate?

No, cut the plate off the tube. then install the tube in the hole in the new plate. Get set and tack weld in place. Then remove and finish welding it up.

 

[steffan]

I swapped a '76 column into my '72. The biggest challenge was getting the wiring (turn signals) to play together but it's doable with only minor rerouting of some of the wires

 

[Jdc1]

I’ve got the “kit” installed into a hybrid 71/76 steering column/box had to shorten the turn signal switch.

 

[Living in the Past]

Didn't realize the steering box pedestal didn't change 9/72. Part number for did change on 9/72. Thought the pedestal changed for the different steering box. For a collapsible steering column the opening in the firewall is different than the 9/72 and later for solid steering column. Would be sure the 8/80 and later collapsible steering column in the US market will work with electric steering. The lower end of the shaft and housing is different than solid column.