| Steering column swap [message #350497] |
Thu, 05 December 2019 17:03  |
jfkarls
Messages: 53
Registered: June 2019
Location: Racine, Wisconsin
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THANKS for the links to the steering column swap directions - I've read the older posts that I could find but I couldn't find an answer to this: - What part of the total column is "motor-home only"? Can these replacement columns be used complete/whole all the way to the 'Lower shaft joint assembly'? (#8 on page 16-6 of the parts book) I guess another way to ask it: Is the lower vertical part that hooks into the steering gear box the only motor home "only" section?
Thanks everyone - I love this site !!!
Joe & Valerie Karls Racine, Wisconsin 53402 - 1976 Eleganza II,
Joe & Valerie Karls
1976 Eleganza II, & 1976 Palm Beach - Also own
1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible,
[Updated on: Thu, 05 December 2019 17:04] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Steering column swap [message #350506 is a reply to message #350497] |
Thu, 05 December 2019 18:50  |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Sir, I have only done about 100 columns so I sure don't know it all and certainly haven't seen it all. The answer to your question is yes, maybe, most of the time. The lower part of the column from the knuckle joint down is ~ 3" longer than a car column. Depending on what you want to do you will need to reuse the lower inner shaft and external housing with gear shifter from GMC. If you are wanting to use the dimmer on the stalk stuff it is easier to use the lower bearing housing with the guide hole for the dimmer switch from a donor column. If you do you will need to change the shifter detent from the original housing to the new one. You will need to extend the dimmer rod to fit or find one the correct length out of a van? Or a particular Mopar? If you want the flash to pass feature you will need dimmer switch out of a Jeep and you need to use the special mounting stud for the ignition switch to isolate the switches to adjust separately. If you want OEM switch for Electric wipers you need a switch for a Lumina van. If you want cornering lights you need a turn signal switch out of a Caddy, if you want the telescopic feature you will need the upper part of the Caddy column including steering wheel or modify a S-15 or ? If you are just repairing a worn column you can flip the nylon tilt ball 180* and not move the index marks to get the nylon ball spring on virgin medal and take the play out. I usually replace the upper shaft with one from donor column as they don't wear like the 12,000 lb motorhome does. All GMC Motorhomes I have seen have had play and the grove worn in it. If you have particular questions ask and I'll try to answer.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/s-10-steering-wheel-caddy-conversion/p47388-wear-pattern.html.
jfkarls wrote on Thu, 05 December 2019 18:03THANKS for the links to the steering column swap directions - I've read the older posts that I could find but I couldn't find an answer to this: - What part of the total column is "motor-home only"? Can these replacement columns be used complete/whole all the way to the 'Lower shaft joint assembly'? (#8 on page 16-6 of the parts book) I guess another way to ask it: Is the lower vertical part that hooks into the steering gear box the only motor home "only" section?
Thanks everyone - I love this site !!!
Joe & Valerie Karls Racine, Wisconsin 53402 - 1976 Eleganza II,
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
[Updated on: Thu, 05 December 2019 19:04] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Steering column swap [message #350527 is a reply to message #350506] |
Fri, 06 December 2019 10:38 |
jfkarls
Messages: 53
Registered: June 2019
Location: Racine, Wisconsin
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Thanks for the reply. Very Helpful Information.
I don't need the dimmer or telescopic feature on the column. The main reason I'm researching this is the tilt mechanism is broken/flopping and after looking at the directions to repairing that; it seems like swapping the whole column up to the knuckle (if that's possible) would be easier. Also; I like the 88-94 GMC steering wheels. So with that in mind do you think the 88-94 GMC truck ect,,, steering column's would work, untouched directly to the knuckle?
Cheers
Joe & Valerie Karls Racine, Wisconsin 53402 - 1976 Eleganza II,
Joe & Valerie Karls
1976 Eleganza II, & 1976 Palm Beach - Also own
1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible,
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| Re: Steering column swap [message #350528 is a reply to message #350497] |
Fri, 06 December 2019 11:37 |
tmsnyder
Messages: 151
Registered: January 2014
Karma: -9
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I would check with Flaming River or Ididit , they could probably figure out exactly what you need and sell it to you at a reasonable price.
Todd Snyder, Buffalo NY
1976 Eleganza II
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| Re: Steering column swap [message #350530 is a reply to message #350527] |
Fri, 06 December 2019 13:16 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Sir, most any GM column without air bag will swap top sections or just steering wheels. What you will probably run into is the bolts under the knuckle will be loose and just need tightening with locktite or the bearing housing is busted and the lower shaft must come out to replace. It is pot metal.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/s-10-steering-wheel-caddy-conversion/p47937-dsc00284.html
jfkarls wrote on Fri, 06 December 2019 11:38Thanks for the reply. Very Helpful Information.
I don't need the dimmer or telescopic feature on the column. The main reason I'm researching this is the tilt mechanism is broken/flopping and after looking at the directions to repairing that; it seems like swapping the whole column up to the knuckle (if that's possible) would be easier. Also; I like the 88-94 GMC steering wheels. So with that in mind do you think the 88-94 GMC truck ect,,, steering column's would work, untouched directly to the knuckle?
Cheers
Joe & Valerie Karls Racine, Wisconsin 53402 - 1976 Eleganza II,
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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| Re: Steering column swap [message #350532 is a reply to message #350530] |
Fri, 06 December 2019 14:26 |
jfkarls
Messages: 53
Registered: June 2019
Location: Racine, Wisconsin
Karma: 0
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Great stuff - thanks for your help - Cheers
Joe & Valerie Karls
1976 Eleganza II, & 1976 Palm Beach - Also own
1967 Lincoln Continental Convertible,
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