New Steering Column in a 73 - w/ Pics! (Dialup beware)

When I decided to replace my old busted steering column I went to the junk yard to get a replacement newer column. I ended up pulling out all the steering components from a 93 XJ, PS Pump, power saginaw gear, shaft, and column.

Well, the PS steering was looking like too much trouble, the brackets all fit up perfect but I couldn't find a V-belt pulley that fit it to save my life. I know, you would think it wouldn't be too much trouble, but they just don't make them with the odd ball shaft size. And I would have had to shim it to make it fit the axillary pulley, AND . . I'm moving and about to have a baby so I just wanted to put it back together.

So this is what I ended up with: stock saginaw gear, steering shaft out of a wrangler, and the 93 XJ column - and it fits!

I opened up the dash mounting plate to accept the larger column.
And then as you'll see in the pics, I had to trim the plastic housing at an angle to fit it against the dash.
Frankly, I think it turned out pretty good. And the Turn Signal works good too!

Edit: Another note, I have to install a horn relay to get the horn working.
The stock wiring (including the Grant adapter kit) can't handle the full horn current.


You can see where I had to trim the pedal/steering hanger


Then I had to open up the dash mount


Wrangler shaft - you can also see where I had to trim the flute off of the column housing to allow it to slip in


Column (Untrimmed) ready to fit up


First Fit up


Column trimmed and installed

 

How did you do the mounts? Could we get some pictures of how you adapted the mounts?

 

What mounts are you referring to?
I'm happy to take more pictures.

I'm going to use a 3" U bolt to clamp it to the original firewall brace. You can see the brace in the 3rd picture.
As far as the top or "dash side" the original dash mount mounts to the dash with the four screws in front and the pedal brace assembly via two bolts underneath, all original, I just opened up the hole.

 

I wasn't sure if the clamp from the underside that secures the mount to the pedal assembly would work or not. I dimly recall where other people had to modify that clamp. Or maybe I'm just imagining it. Could I get some pictures of the bottom/backside of the upper mount and also where the column goes through the firewall? How do you plan on sealing around the column where it goes through the firewall?

I plan on doing a very similar swap in the near future, except using a tilt column. Thanks for putting up with my questions. You're being a great help.

 

I have mounted but not installed a floor mount from Summit.
You can see it here, not attached to the firewall.


Here is another shot of the original lower brace on the engine side that I'm going to reuse with a new U-bolt.


And here are some more shots of the mount from underneath.

 

Looks good.

 

Not bad . I got a column from a grand wagoneer in my rig. It tilts too :twisted:. This is good when getting into the JEEP seeing as I am 6' 5". I fit though.

 

So the column is held to the upper mount by just a tight fit in the mount?

 

GOod write up. Did the wrangler shaft attach to the box and column without modifications?

x2 on how the column mounts at the dash. Seems like it needs some attachment.

And why didn't you go with a tilt column?

 

The upper mount is pretty tight, but with space at the very bottom for wiring. Because of the severe angle the column is pretty well locked in. The lower mounts will secure it from rotating or shifting. I can see how you would think it would need to be more secure up top, but its really quite solid.
I picked up a 3" U-bolt last night from my FLAPS, once I install that today I'll let you all know how it feels.
I'll have the horn relay in by this weekend and that should complete the steering.

As far as the steering shaft, no real modifications. I had to open up the lower mount a little bit wider with a big screwdriver and a hammer. I also had to lovingly tap it onto the gear box shaft, but it slipped on. And it fit right onto the new column without issue. Overall, I'd say it fit up as good as could be expected, no adapters required.

I didn't go with the tilt because this was the only one I found the day of my hunting that was both in good shape and didn't have a column shifter. Turns out I don't need it though. Its quite compact in the dash and is at a pretty good angle. I added a smaller steering wheel thinking I was going to go with PS, but I can still turn it without issue. (My amazing hulk like strength may factor in to that he he)

Oh! One more note:
Since this was from a junk yard I don't have the key to the column, which means I can't unlock the column (turning). So when I took the column apart (rent a column toolset if you don't have one) the locking plate met the grinder. I just ground off all the tabs around the plate so it spins freely. I suppose there is probably a better way, but it works.

 

Bolted up the column to the original firewall brace (engine side) with a 2.5" U bolt (actually 3").
Solid as a rock.

I am going to have to shave the shock mount a little bit where the steering shaft is rubbing against it, bit it will be minimal.
Just wanted to give an update.

 

That's Hot!!

 

No, I paid for it fair and square.

Thanks, Paris.

 

If you break down somewhere you can always use that steering wheel as a wood source. R)

Nice job, looks good.

 

What did you do with the ignition switch hole on the new column?

 

Good Question.
I haven't done anything with it. I'm not using it.
I considered pulling it out and maybe putting a blank in there, but that would probably look just as bad.

You could use it, but that would be a lot of rewiring.
I did have to trim the lock plate so the steering wheel will turn without the key in.

 

Thanks. I thought the wood was kind of cool. I wanted something that was a little more old school.

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Also, I put in a horn relay to get the horn working, it works good.
The Grant kit and column can't handle the full current. Nothing special about the relay. I just installed it next to the horn on the inside of the fender.

 

All you need to do now is conceal the real ignition switch, and then lets see some one try to steal it!

Personally, I'm having my windshield ground in my prescription.

 

I could put a little rubber cover over the real ignition switch like you see on extra cig lighters sometimes. That's probably all you would need. People these days would think the column is the only place one could be.

My next task is definitely new seat brackets. My head is poking into the bikini top. I'm going to lower them down and maybe do the notch. But definitely lower them.

 

Looks nice! How much extra would you estimate you gained? Distance from seat back to wheel? Distance from seating surface to wheel?
Thanks.