Tilt Steering Column Help Needed!

[Lancialonnie]

I am not sure what tilt steering column is on my truck but it apparently is not originally from a 72 truck as most of the replacement parts I have ordered do not fit.

The steering rod end is splined and it has this coupling unit and a rag joint at the PS pump.

I bought an aftermarket tilt column that has a 3/4 in DD on the end, is there a way to make this setup work? Do I need a DD to splined adapter? Do I need to keep the coupling unit since I have a rag joint?

Any advice appreciated!

[StingRay]

The first one looks like a stock column to me. The second one is the same type of shaft as later columns use. I have a stock type column around here that uses that same D end on it. Came from a later RV I believe. I found an intermediate shaft and coupling at a wrecker that fit it.

[FirstOwner69]

Yours looks like an original truck tilt to me also. What parts have you ordered that don't fit?

[StingRay]

That original column is worth some coin too!

[Lancialonnie]

I've ordered 2 turn signal canceling cams that did not work and a shift lever that did not fit. Is the coupling unit assembly after the spline needed?

[Boog]

I'm curious why you would want to replace a factory tilt column. There is only one shift lever for a 71-72 tilt column. It is different than for a non tilt column.
https://www.classicparts.com/Dash-Pa...ducts/268/12/0

And two horn contact rings for tilts.
https://www.classicparts.com/Dash-Pa...oducts/268/6/0

[Robznob11]

Dude, unless you bought one of the big 3 columns, Ididit, FR, BS....you need to abandon your idea to swap. As mentioned that oe colum is worth coin, and much better made than the cheap overseas crap running around. There is plenty of write ups of those coming apart. And being loose. The plastic ball they use sux and will fail prematurely.

[71meangreenc10]

I would pass on any Flaming River columns as I have installed one and a buddy has one and they are not worth the metal spent to make them. Very sloppy......

I have a 72 tilt on the ground from my motor home that I can take a pic to show you what it should look like if you want. Also have a Van Tilt here.


Smitty

[randy500]

Your factory tilt column has a non tilt turn signal switch installed, order the cancel cam for non tilt.
Like someone said previously, order a shift handle for a tilt column.

[StingRay]

That makes sense. The Red 4 Way knob is only on the non tilt. It should be the black cone or the later black round cylinder with the sleeve.

Originally Posted by randy500

Your factory tilt column has a non tilt turn signal switch installed, order the cancel cam for non tilt.
Like someone said previously, order a shift handle for a tilt column.

[Classic Bowties]

Originally Posted by randy500

Your factory tilt column has a non tilt turn signal switch installed, order the cancel cam for non tilt.

randy500, that last part of your statement is bad info for the original thread poster. No matter the type of t/s switch found installed on the tilt, the horn contact-t/s cancel cam has to be for a tilt column. See below pics, the OE tilt columns used a tilt specific t/s cancel cam and tilt only cam spring. The below linked older thread also has some good info along with pics pertaining to this same subject. Mel


Horn contact/cancel cam thread link: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=515103

[randy500]

I was going to mention the spring and horn contact but you can see them in them installed in the first picture. Looks like he is covered on that.

[Classic Bowties]

Originally Posted by randy500

I was going to mention the spring and horn contact but you can see them in them installed in the first picture. Looks like he is covered on that.

Again, my above posted comment was only addressing the last part of your below (in bold) instructions/reply to the original thread starter Lancialonnie. A whole lot of folks look back upon these board threads for info and guidance, so if/when I see incorrect info or instructions added I will always try and note/add the correct info. Mel

Originally Posted by randy500

Your factory tilt column has a non tilt turn signal switch installed, order the cancel cam for non tilt.

[Lancialonnie]

Here are some pics of the shift lever that specifically said was for a tilt column, but it does not fit. Looking at it again it looks like with some grinding and filing, it should fit but I should not have to modify a part that is supposed to fit. I read the articles about the chinese columns and the one I bought is made in china but it is aluminum and looks to be well made. I called the vendor that I bought it from and they sell an adjustable shaft/u-joints/splined adapter for the steering box. No rag joint but the rep said he has ran this setup before without a problem. I have to admit I am on the fence but I do want turn signals that work, a shiny non-rusty gear selector and a shiny chrome aluminum column would look nice!

[randy500]

There are nothing but terrible reports about those Chinese columns, they wear out as soon as put in service or sooner. Just put it on the shelf and don't throw any more money at it.

As for the shifter...there is a spring inside where it is inserted, towards the dash side, are you jamming the shifter up against the spring and it wont insert fully or it doesn't fit the hole? The shifters in the picture appear to be interchangeable.
I cant make out what the item in the first picture is.

[FirstOwner69]

I, also, had to do some "grinding and filing" to get the lever I bought to fit into place. It didn't take much and is not visible. It was almost as if they didn't allow for the thickness of the chrome plating. Once done, it works fine and looks great. To me, it was a minor inconvenience, but you are right, modification shouldn't be required.