Steering Columns

[Michelle]

I am considering installing a automatic transmission in my 65 and getting rid of the New Process four speed. Knowing the ramifications of such a change I have one remaining question. Are the steering columns from the 67 to 72 model bump sides the same length as the columns in the 65, 66 models? I have located an automatic steering column from a 69 bump side at a local salvage yard. Not wanting to leap without looking first I need answers.

[f100jim]

Michelle, the 67- 72 auto column with manual steering should be the same length as a manual steering 65-66. The only difference would be the strap that bolts to the bottom of the dash. If you are doing Saginaw/ford power steering then the column and steering shaft each will be about 2" shorter. If you use the bendix box power steering,the column will be the same length as a manual column, but with a 5/8" shorter steering shaft. jim

[65COOL]

i think the 65 66 the hazerd switch is in the dash if it has it and 67-72 it is in the column.

[6166 Junkyard Dog]

ALL THESE Columns are not the same,, and there is more than meet the eye,, the 65/69 columns use the same turn signal switch,, 70/72 use the same switch,, BUT,BUT the 70 will have the same shaft as the older one will except be careful on steering couplers will vary,, the shaft on 71/72 columns will have to be modified since the shaft is different at top and stock 61/70 horn ring WILL NOT FIT ON 71/72 shafts,, AND NO 67/72 Columns had 4-ways on the column,, the column to dash bracket off the 65/66 will have to be installed back on 67-72 Column and DO NOT Get talked into cutting column,, I have changed out many trucks and NEVER had to cut a column to get power steering, ANYBODY cutting columns are just asking for trouble someplace and when it comes to columns that part of the truck you are playing with your and somebody else's life

[65COOL]

where is the switch on a 67-72 for the hazzard thin.

[Hawkrod]

where is the switch on a 67-72 for the hazzard thin.

In the glove box or on the dash depending on what year. BTW, 73-77 columns work fine too and they do have the hazard switch and it only requires hooking up one more wire to make it work (it's really easy), using the 65/6 dash mount off of the old column, and trimming the end of teh shaft just as you would to use a 71/2. I also agree that, unless your a licensed welder and an engineer, cut steering shafts is a dangerous risk. The aftermarket makes it look easy but it is not. The flange on the original is oven brazed on after the flange is pressed on to a splined shaft. It takes a lot of guts to try and duplicate something like that at home and I have seen very few that were done well and I have seen many that were not! Hawkrod

[f100jim]

Tom, Michelle said she had located a 69 column and asked about length differences. Wouldn't it depend on her steering choice (power vs manual) and saginaw vs bendix to determine what length column and shaft she needs?

ALL THESE Columns are not the same,, and there is more than meet the eye,, the 65/69 columns use the same turn signal switch,, 70/72 use the same switch,, BUT,BUT the 70 will have the same shaft as the older one will except be careful on steering couplers will vary,, the shaft on 71/72 columns will have to be modified since the shaft is different at top and stock 61/70 horn ring WILL NOT FIT ON 71/72 shafts,, AND NO 67/72 Columns had 4-ways on the column,, the column to dash bracket off the 65/66 will have to be installed back on 67-72 Column and DO NOT Get talked into cutting column,, I have changed out many trucks and NEVER had to cut a column to get power steering, ANYBODY cutting columns are just asking for trouble someplace and when it comes to columns that part of the truck you are playing with your and somebody else's life

[f100jim]

where is the switch on a 67-72 for the hazzard thin.

In the glove box or on the dash depending on what year. BTW, 73-77 columns work fine too and they do have the hazard switch and it only requires hooking up one more wire to make it work (it's really easy), using the 65/6 dash mount off of the old column, and trimming the end of teh shaft just as you would to use a 71/2. I also agree that, unless your a licensed welder and an engineer, cut steering shafts is a dangerous risk. The aftermarket makes it look easy but it is not. The flange on the original is oven brazed on after the flange is pressed on to a splined shaft. It takes a lot of guts to try and duplicate something like that at home and I have seen very few that were done well and I have seen many that were not! Hawkrod

I know what your saying Hawkrod..I recently ran into that same problem. Was going to get a machine shop to shorten a steering shaft 5/8" for a bendix box,but decided to get an original bendix power steering shaft off ebay.

[6166 Junkyard Dog]

Ford Power Steering Shaft is shorter than Non power Steering ,,Bendix Power Steering shafts are different BUT I have put Bendix boxes in trucks without changing the shaft, and then had 1 that we had to put a bendix shaft in column just could not get it to work,, never was able to figure that one,, but like Hawk said the 73-76 will do OK with small modifications,, and if you notice I did not say 77 Reason 77 Column is different,, takes a totally different firewall column seal that also is not available,, if I was going to use a 73/76 column I would find one that takes a regular lower bearing instead of those stupid plastic ones they had

[Hawkrod]

Ford Power Steering Shaft is shorter than Non power Steering ,,Bendix Power Steering shafts are different BUT I have put Bendix boxes in trucks without changing the shaft, and then had 1 that we had to put a bendix shaft in column just could not get it to work,, never was able to figure that one,, but like Hawk said the 73-76 will do OK with small modifications,, and if you notice I did not say 77 Reason 77 Column is different,, takes a totally different firewall column seal that also is not available,, if I was going to use a 73/76 column I would find one that takes a regular lower bearing instead of those stupid plastic ones they had

You can use the 77 column seal just fine, in fact it is better which is why Ford changed it. Also note that if you use the 77 seal you don't have to use the firewall bracket anymore if you don't want to. Hawkrod

[charliemccraney]

BTW, 73-77 columns work fine too and they do have the hazard switch and it only requires hooking up one more wire to make it work (it's really easy)

Just to add, the entire column is not required to make use of this integrated hazard switch. All you need is the upper collar assembly. With that, it will mount directly to many of the stock slick columns.
It's a great way to get hazard lights, keep it all Ford, and make it look stock.

[Hawkrod]

BTW, 73-77 columns work fine too and they do have the hazard switch and it only requires hooking up one more wire to make it work (it's really easy)

Just to add, the entire column is not required to make use of this integrated hazard switch. All you need is the upper collar assembly. With that, it will mount directly to many of the stock slick columns.
It's a great way to get hazard lights, keep it all Ford, and make it look stock.

Yes, that is true, just get the turn signal switch and housing and it will fit all the way back to 61! In order to use the hazards you just add a 12V power wire and hook it to a flasher cannister and then hook the other terminal of the flasher cannister to the red and white wire on the switch. That is all you need to do and the hazards work on any truck. Ford really made these things easy which is a shock considering how hard they seem to make everything else! LOL Hawkrod

[charliemccraney]

Yes, that is true, just get the turn signal switch and housing and it will fit all the way back to 61

Some of the columns will require modification to fit the assembly. There is definitely a difference in the '61 3 speed columns which makes it so that they are not a true bolt-on swap like it will be for most slicks.

[Uncle Skip]

Hawkrod is correct about shortening the steering column shaft, but it can be done. You need to find a qualified TIG welder and have him (or her) do it for you. Stronger than the original.
U@ss

[Hawkrod]

Yes, that is true, just get the turn signal switch and housing and it will fit all the way back to 61

Some of the columns will require modification to fit the assembly. There is definitely a difference in the '61 3 speed columns which makes it so that they are not a true bolt-on swap like it will be for most slicks.

The turn signal switch housing is a direct bolt on for a 61 as well. If yours was not you were using the wrong parts. 61-77 are all interchangable assuming the right parts. You do have to readjust the column to wheel clearance after the swap as the later housing is just a bit thicker but the bolt pattern and size is the same. Hawkrod

[charliemccraney]

I disagree. Here is the difference.

This is the top of a '63 4 speed column tube:



This is the top of a '61 3speed column tube:



Note the difference in the location of the notch which locates the collar assembly. That prevents the 73-77 assembly from mounting directly to the tube. It's an easy modification to get it to work.

[Hawkrod]

Ah, I see what you are talking about, that notch is for the turn signal lever assembly. The earlier tubes with the slide switch do need a notch cut for the clearance. I thought you meant the bolt pattern was different. My bad, Hawkrod

[charliemccraney]

And to add more, I didn't think I had the pictures handy but I do.

The upper portion of the '73-'77



The upper portion of the '61

[CHAD GREEN FORD 66]

I THINK SO I HAVE A STEERING COLUM FROM A 74 FORD IN MY 66 SO I COULD HOOK UP POWER STEERING IS THAT 4 SPEED A GRANNY

[CHAD GREEN FORD 66]

I THINK SO I HAVE A STEERING COLUM FROM A 74 FORD IN MY 66 SO I COULD HOOK UP POWER STEERING IS THAT 4 SPEED A GRANNY