Steering Columns

[factorystock]

As you can see, mixing and matching opens a can of worms. Pick the easiest route, just hold out for a '65 automatic column. Yes, they are harder to find than manual columns, but much easier than finding a '61 thru '64 automatic column.

[Hawkrod]

As you can see, mixing and matching opens a can of worms. Pick the easiest route, just hold out for a '65 automatic column. Yes, they are harder to find than manual columns, but much easier than finding a '61 thru '64 automatic column.

I disagree, it really is not a can of worms. It has been done so many times that the VERY few differences are well noted and easy to get around. For example, every truck I have (6 right now) has a 78/9 tilt in it. The only real variations on 65-77 (not counting straight axle trucks) are PS or non-PS, the top inner shaft length (which needs to be trimmed if you use a later column with an early steering wheel), tube mount location, and wiring. The wiring is the same except for columns that have hazards built in and that is one wire to hook up. Also note that the 78/9 columns (tilt or otherwise) can also be used but have a second wire that needs to be grounded for the horn, a shift indicator light on auto trans, and they require a different steering wheel (the horn contacts are very different). It isn't a can of worms at all because it has all been done so many times that there are probably 50 people on this board that can walk you through it and none of the changes you need to make require more than hand tools and a drill. Hawkrod

[bluebolt]

Michelle, I know a guy with a 1965 automatic F100 who is changing to a later pwoer steering column. Will talk to him about selling his.

[BackyardRest]

as Hawkrod said. Not a can of worms at all.

I used the 77 column and just took the brkt off the 66, used the 77 shaft and just trimmed the end so horn etc would work, The 66 column has a straight shift piece in column while the 77 column is offset. By just using the 77 offset piece the 77 shift rod works perfectly. I also used the 77 arm in trans. Fits and works great together.

No cutting no shortening just change the mounting piece by drilling out a couple spot welds and its all a simple bolt in.

[Hawkrod]

Nice work. If everyone detailed how they did it like that we would have an amazing data base for almost any project. You are correct, a 77 column is an easy swap and doesn't even reach the low end of the difficulty scale! Hawkrod

[Sarg]

Michelle, I know a guy with a 1965 automatic F100 who is changing to a later pwoer steering column. Will talk to him about selling his.

I have a 66 F250 automatic. I am not sure if that would fit or not. I have been talking to someone on here who has a PS set up I will be buying shortly, but I will need to get the conversion done before taking out my old one. I believe he said I will still need a pump and the FE with AC bracket.

The thing I am trying to figure out is if the later model automatic columns will work with the FMX transmission. Of course I have plans to switch to a C6 eventually, but that is going to be much later after I get my Subaru project finished. 700 Awhp out of a 4 cylinder is expensive!!

[bluebolt]

Michelle, I know a guy with a 1965 automatic F100 who is changing to a later pwoer steering column. Will talk to him about selling his.

I have a 66 F250 automatic. I am not sure if that would fit or not. I have been talking to someone on here who has a PS set up I will be buying shortly, but I will need to get the conversion done before taking out my old one. I believe he said I will still need a pump and the FE with AC bracket.

The thing I am trying to figure out is if the later model automatic columns will work with the FMX transmission. Of course I have plans to switch to a C6 eventually, but that is going to be much later after I get my Subaru project finished. 700 Awhp out of a 4 cylinder is expensive!!

That someone you are talking to would be me!

[Sarg]

Ha! I thought as much but could not remember your screen name. Trying to research this whole thing as much as possible before jumping in. The wife would kill me if the truck was down for an extended period of time.

[cdherman]

In the above pics, the hard to obtain part, IMHO, is the gold painted shift rod that goes from the shift arm to the tranny.

I used an automatic column from a 74, IIRC, which I snagged off ebay. But it did not have the shift rod. Cludged up a Lokar to work, but don't like it too much.

FYI -- something not often mentioned -- the rag joint (steering coupler) in 65 had a copper ground connector. That was to ground the shaft so the horn would work. Well, that grounded rag joint is expensive and it falls apart.

Ever wonder why later steering columns have one steel taper bushing, instead of two nylon ones like in 65? Now you know -- the steel taper grounds the shaft and you can use the cheaper later rag joint. So your horn works....

[Sarg]

My horn doesn't work right now anyways Just another thing on my list of "to-do's"