Steering column swap questions

[WyoSquareMan]

Just curious if anyone had a write up or if anybody had experience with swapping a steering column out of a c/k series to an r/v?

And besides a new blinker switch anything else you recommend changing while it's out?

Thanks for the help

 

[6872xtc]

Could you clarify what year range of C/K series the you are talking about? I assume that you are thinking '88-'98 IFS stuff .

 

[WyoSquareMan]

Sorry should have clarified I'm talking about putting a 70s column in to my 86 crewcab

 

[6872xtc]

Ok, well depending on the year, you may have to change the intermediate shaft, but it should bolt in other than that. But what is your plan for the wipers? The dimmer switch isn't a big pain to pit on the floor, but the dash structure and the gauge cluster bezel have the headlight switch in the wrong place to install a dash mounted wiper switch. Plus the fact that it is easier to find working pulse modules for the wipers in the '86 style.

The bottom end of column will either be splined or double D depending on the year. Newer is double D.
While it is out, you can pull the steering wheel to inspect and clean the turn signal switch. I like to remove the plate spring that goes sideways on the switch. It makes the effort to move it lighter. But also put some grease under the other spring.

 

[WyoSquareMan]

Yea hadn't totally decided on wiper switch stuff yet wasn't sure how things would work out. Any idea on wiring harness compatibility?

 

[6872xtc]

I know that the wiper plug is different, but I believe that the other plugs are the same, but wire length can be a problem.

The ignition switch plug is the same, but will flip for tilt vs. non-tilt.

Are you wanting a tilt column? Or is yours broken?

 

[WyoSquareMan]

I know that the wiper plug is different, but I believe that the other plugs are the same, but wire length can be a problem.

The ignition switch plug is the same, but will flip for tilt vs. non-tilt.

Are you wanting a tilt column? Or is yours broken?

Well shat, gonna have to do some looking at things.
Right now I've got a tilt automatic column in it and I've got a straight column for a standard truck sitting, I've already converted to standard trans just really wanted to get rid of the wipers and high beams on the blinker stalk. Never liked that design.

 

[WyoSquareMan]

Any ideas on the park switch situation if I get rid of the column I have?
I guess I should just find some wiring diagrams and wire in a clutch switch.

 

[6872xtc]

Yeah, the neutral safety switch just needs to have the wires hooked to a clutch switch, or bypassed. I don't have any easy suggestions for you. My buddy wanted to go the other way with his '81 since he has a bad ankle and the floor dimmer is a pain for him. That's how I found out all of this.

Heck, I put an '87 column in my '70 because I liked some of the benefits.

 

[campfire]

Is it worth the headache just to get rid of the shifter? I'm doing the same swap and I'm planning on just leaving it in. Though I'm far from being OCD about such things (not sure if that would drive you crazy or not).

Then I decided to reuse the lever to free up floor space. Suddenly having a lever there became a virtue!

I also have no desire to wire up the clutch switch...I actually prefer not having one. Until someone else borrows the truck, at least.

 

[WyoSquareMan]

Is it worth the headache just to get rid of the shifter? I'm doing the same swap and I'm planning on just leaving it in. Though I'm far from being OCD about such things (not sure if that would drive you crazy or not).

getting rid of the shift lever wasn't a real big concern, I've just always liked the simplicity of the old style

Then I decided to reuse the lever to free up floor space. Suddenly having a lever there became a virtue!

I also have no desire to wire up the clutch switch...I actually prefer not having one. Until someone else borrows the truck, at least.