yj column?

Been doing a lot of question asking lately, sorry. But I've got another one. I've been looking for possible tilt columns for the little flatty and was wondering if a tilt column from a wrangler yj would fit the bill? I have seen a few posts of people using the xj column with the yj shaft. Why not just use the yj column and yj shaft? Is there something wrong with the yj column?

 

I think the XJ column is more common with tilt and is typically cheaper and more readily available in wrecking yards.
I haven't measured the two to compare but there may be a length difference as well.

 

I used a GM column from a 85 Buick Skylark(I think) for my flatty. I was able to get a few inches of the shaft after the u-joint at the base of the column also.
I don't have a good pic of the install but the u-joint is right at the floor and I drive with it tilted down one click. It will hit the windshield if I tilt it all the way up. I used the factory mounting nuts that are welded to the column to mount the strap to hang from the stock mount.

 

I'm using a tilt column out of a 1985 Eagle. A GM column.

 

You can use the yj column. Heres the deal as I understand it, assuming you DO NOT have the original Ross steering, you can use the yj column and shaft, BUTTT your steering box will not work with the shaft, they have dif splines. You can use the yj column, shaft, and also get the steering box and pump and put it all in. OR you can do what I did and use the yj column and shaft but cut off the u-joint that attaches to the steering box and the joint off of you current shaft that attaches to the box. take your yj shaft and your old shafts joint that u cut off to a welding shop and have them weld the joint onto the yj shaft. It cost me 20 dollars to have it done. The guy told me it would be as strong or stronger than original, its been a year now and all it good.