Steering Column upgrade 65 C10 292 6 cyl

[gwilly253]

Probably been asked before but - I have a 65 C10 with 3 on the tree - I am putting in a new automatic transmission and I want to put in the power steering retro-fit that uses the 68-76 power steering gear box - I can not find an original 60-66 automatic column anywhere & do not want to use ididit or others - want original - so what year auto-columns will bolt right up without cutting & welding shafts etc - also would like to keep my 65 steering wheel - Thanks in advance...

[AcampoDave]

A buddy and I bolted a 66 auto column into a 63 once and it just went right in like it was factory. (He had his stock box however.) For the power box, you can get an adapter sleeve from CCP that requires you to shorten your column rod and drill a hole thru it for a small grade 8 nylock nut and bolt. This secures the adapter to your stock column rod. I helped another buddy do that one, and even tho the instructions didn't say to do it, we added a weld just for good measure.

[rawraw67]

get a auto column from a 67-72

[gwilly253]

so a 67 to 72 will bolt right in - no cutting and welding of steering shafts - they have the same spline, rag joint and everything - anything special I need to know - as you can tell I'm a virgin when it comes to this topic...! If you would prefer please PM me - Thanks...

[Reyals Bemus]

They do not bolt right in. You will have to drill and tap two holes at the dash mounting point for it to bolt to the factory bracketry.

[gwilly253]

that sounds easy enough - any length issues - either in the cab or underneath..?

[AcampoDave]

I believe the wiring harness plugs changed in 1970

[rawraw67]

Ok so it will go in with a bit of work.not much.here is what I did I pulled a 71 auto column apart and pulled the main shaft out of it and installed it in my 64 column with all new 64 bearings and a new 64 turn signal switch.so it just plugs in to your original harness.if you use the 71 shaft you can use the 71 lower shaft to.than it just bolt right up to your new power steering box.no welding
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[gwilly253]

RE: my retro-fit of a 68-76 power steering gear box in a 65-C10 marrying it up with a 67-72 automatic column...

I got the answers on attaching the newer column to the dash of my 65 and the wiring harness adaptation - But still no answers to these questions ?

1) Do I need to buy a 67-72 auto column that had specifically fit a power steering gear box - or do manual and power interchange columns interchange..?
2) Are a 65 and 67-72 column the same overall length ? (from wheel to rag joint) will I need to cut the newer one down
3) Will I need any other adapters to fit up a power gear box to a 76-72 column
4) If I find a 65 auto column are there any adaptation tricks to the 68-76 PS gear box?
5) Is there an adapter that will allow me to use my 65 steering wheel on a 67 or new column?

Thanks all for your advise....

Thanks rawraw67 - are the bearing easily available and if so where...?

[rawraw67]

here is a few pictures of my steering

[AcampoDave]

Wow, that's why I really enjoy this site. So much knowledge here. That's good stuff about the column guts interchange. Thanks for that info Rawraw

[rawraw67]

1) 67-72 columns interchange,all auto are the same
2) Are a 65 and 67-72 column the same overall length ? No, 66 and down did not have power steering so the shaft is longer.you can cut and shorten it
3) there is a few adapters kits out there
4) If you find a 65 auto column and don't change the shaft all you have to do is cut and weld the 65 shaft and put your new end that will bolt to your powerbox
5) the shafts are the same

[gwilly253]

Thanks Man - Good stuff - When you coming over to lend an experienced hand..? (lol) I appreciate the answers...

[rawraw67]

here is just some of my left over parts from my truck. I think you can see that the column are close.the power boxs is abit longer. The blue column is from the 71.I think if you use your shaft you need to shorten it 1"3/4

[Captainfab]

FYI the power steering boxes from '68-'86 C series trucks and '87-'91 R series trucks are interchangeable. The '68-'80 boxes use SAE type hose fittings and '81+ use Metric with an O-ring.

[gwilly253]

Thanks Captain...

I'm new to all this steering column stuff... I see that some of the late 60's - 70's trucks had collapsible d shaped shafts - would one of these be the easiest retro to fit with my 65 truck - Can you some how adjust the length of the shaft without a lot of cutting and welding and if so how.... Where these the early collapsible shafts as a safety device...?

[mike14_07]

anybody have any pics of the swap? my trucks a 3 on the tree and im swapping to power steering and auto soon, i have a couple 67-72 columns

[Captainfab]

I believe there may be some pics of different columns in the for sale thread for my power steering box adapter plate. There is a link in my sig line.

I have not used a later model colapsable column in one of these trucks. I have just used an original style column. I typically have cut and welded either the shaft or the rag joint flange. I also offer the tube and flange for use on the original column shaft, that does not require any welding.

You can use a colapsable steering column, but you will have to break the 2 sections free to be able to colapse them. They are held together with plastic/nylon. Some guys beat on them with a hammer, and others use a torch and melt the plastic out.

[chevyrestoguy]

Originally Posted by rawraw67

Ok so it will go in with a bit of work.not much.here is what I did I pulled a 71 auto column apart and pulled the main shaft out of it and installed it in my 64 column with all new 64 bearings and a new 64 turn signal switch.so it just plugs in to your original harness.if you use the 71 shaft you can use the 71 lower shaft to.than it just bolt right up to your new power steering box.no welding
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I did this same mod as well. I wanted the original look of my '64 column with a later rag joint and a collapsable shaft for safety. All GM parts, too.