tilt steering column

spstack · Post by **spstack** » November 12, 2008, 8:39 pm

Ok Guys Please chime in on this is it possible to have a 3 speed on the column ans Still have a tilt column any thoughts would be great thanks

hapeniess is a chevy rusting

Gary Seymour · Post by **Gary Seymour** » November 12, 2008, 9:14 pm

I have never seen a 3 on the tree with tilt. I don't think Ford ever made one.

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » November 12, 2008, 9:17 pm

I do not think there was ever a tilt column for 3 speed in 77-79.

Those are the years for Ford tilt columns.

Now. there are geniuses out there that can make just about anything happen. But tilt columns as a feature pretty much arrived after 3 on the tree had died.

Someone correct if I am wrong. It is very hard to find 3 speed columns for power steering -- those are a sought after commodity as well.

Gary Seymour · Post by **Gary Seymour** » November 12, 2008, 9:50 pm

Ford had a wierd tilt-away column in Cougars and T-Birds of the 60's. These were all floor shifted.

What's the difference in 3 spd columns between manual and power steering?

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » November 12, 2008, 11:52 pm

ford didn't start power steering in trucks until 65 right? on a twin i beam truck (65-66 f100) there shouldn't be any difference in the manual and power steering columns. as long as you use the bendix ps box it should be a direct bolt in as it is the same dimensions as the ms box. i am getting ready to put a bendix style ps box in my 68 that is currently a ms 3 on the tree set up.

Hawkrod · Post by **Hawkrod** » November 13, 2008, 12:02 am

Bendix power steering columns are not the same as manual columns. They are close and it will usually, but not always, work but it pushes the column and steering wheel closer to the driver. The Bendix box is longer and so the center shaft is shorter, look it up in a parts book and it will confirm this. Hawkrod

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » November 13, 2008, 12:12 am

i thought the saginaw box was longer? the bendix box i have looks identical to the manual box i have in my truck. i guess i'll find out when i get them side by side.

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » November 13, 2008, 7:43 am

Nevermind Bendix versus Saginaw. I don't think there are 3speed tilt columns out there, period. Manual or PS.

Since PS 3 speed (non tilt) coulumns are so rare, Kieth over at Fordification even has pics how someone shortened a column but cutting everything apart.

So you can have a PS 3 speed coulmn, just not tilt In fact, while one is cutting merrily away, might as make it several inches less, though you'd have to relocate the dash bracket as well. By bringing the wheel a few inches closer to the dash, that might allieviate whatever "belly clearance" issues prompted your desire for tilt steering in the first place....

Hawkrod · Post by **Hawkrod** » November 13, 2008, 9:44 am

ezernut9mm wrote:i thought the saginaw box was longer? the bendix box i have looks identical to the manual box i have in my truck. i guess i'll find out when i get them side by side.

Saginaw is a lot longer than manual boxes but Bendix is only a little longer. Ford actually made different length columns for each. Hawkrod

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » November 13, 2008, 10:53 am

that's exactly what I wound up doing. I thought the tilt column would give me the clearance to be able to hold a cold beverage between my legs and still be able to retrieve it while driving. NOT. I sectioned two inches out of it and it is just about perfect for me. I can now drive with my leg while holding her leg and enjoying my beverage at the same time. Just like I did in the late 70"s.

Roger Carter · Post by **Roger Carter** » November 13, 2008, 12:29 pm

As far as a 3 on the tree, I am pretty sure Ford never offered a tilt version, in any vehicle. My research shows only column shift automatics and floor shifts were available with tilt.
I know this is wandering a bit, but... hawkrod is correct. The Bendix power steering column is a bit shorter than the manual column. I know the steering shaft is about 5/8" shorter, not sure about the other components.

Roger Carter

Sinc · Post by **Sinc** » November 13, 2008, 4:27 pm

Well, if your Slick is a '65 or '66 then this might work....

http://www.ididitinc.com/retrofit_colum ... 65_66.html

...Best of luck with your project!

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » November 13, 2008, 6:07 pm

The ididit column is for automatic tranny. And it takes only GM steering wheels.

tilt steering column

tilt steering column

Tilt Steering Column