weird steering column issue

Greetings all! I searched the past questions and I think that i have discovered an issue that has never been asked before. I drove the 81 the other day and when I use the turn signal that entire part of the column, including the key switch, twists! to use the turn signal, i have to hold the upper part of the column and hit the switch... Uh....... WTH broke this time?!? The steering wheel also seems loss since I can pull the steering wheel up roughly 3/16". I have never ever had a problem with a column before that I couldn't figure out but this one has me stumped. I have a new turn signal switch that I need to install since the hazard switch kind of "broke" when i tried to remove the steering wheel with a hammer..........(googling automotive stuff really, really doesn't work) Please, oh please tell me that this "twisting" issue doesn't translate to "you need a new column".

Thanks in advance

Mike

If it is a tilt column I'd bet the 4 bolts that hold the tilt housing to the mast jacket are crazy loose ...

Youd have to get down into where the steering column upper collar housing attaches to the inner bearing housing to see if the screws are loose or have fallen out. I think there are three Philips headed screws holding them together. If it rotates that much my guess they have completely fallen out and are laying in the housing or the threaded bosses are broken.

I shall check that this weekend. Thank you for the advice!!!!! (This forum is much better than google…).

Mike

Goldie Driver said:

If it is a tilt column I'd bet the 4 bolts that hold the tilt housing to the mast jacket are crazy loose ...

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Goldie!!!! Long time no hear from! How are you doing??? I *wish* the basket case had a tilt column but alas that would be an option and this truck has a straight, dig into your legs column. I was surprised when I took possession of the vehicle that it had factory gauges and power steering.

Mike

good write up for rebuilding. Download it while you can, who knows how long it will be out there.

Jazzman Steering

Camar068 said:

good write up for rebuilding. Download it while you can, who knows how long it will be out there.

Jazzman Steering

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Thank you, thank you , thank you!!!!!!! With this I’m pretty sure that I can fix the column! You dudes and dudets are the absolute best!!!!!!!!!!

A very happy Mike