Steering Column Interchange

Stumann666 · Jan 5, 2023

I have an 86 C10 that is not a tilt column. I also have an 82 C10 that has a tilt wheel. I was planning to swap steering columns, but the 86 column has the dimmer and the wipers on the turn signal arm ,the 82 does not. Will a tilt column for and 88 and newer C-1500 fit in the 86? It seems it's rather difficult to find the right culumn for the 86, but there's a lot of 88 and newer trucks in junk yards. Thanks in advance.

Goldie Driver · Jan 5, 2023

Stumann666 said:
I have an 86 C10 that is not a tilt column. I also have an 82 C10 that has a tilt wheel. I was planning to swap steering columns, but the 86 column has the dimmer and the wipers on the turn signal arm ,the 82 does not. Will a tilt column for and 88 and newer C-1500 fit in the 86? It seems it's rather difficult to find the right culumn for the 86, but there's a lot of 88 and newer trucks in junk yards. Thanks in advance.

88 - 91 R & V would work, but the next gen column ( now known as the OBS, or Old Body Style ) would not to the best of my knowledge due to the toe pan mount and other mounting points.

Depending on if they are still the Saginaw style columns - really not sure on that - you might be able to put 88 and up truck tilt upper parts on your 82 tilt column and build one with the wiper switch on the column, but that seems like a lot of extra work.

Best of luck !

Britt

CalSgt · Jan 5, 2023

I've read the GMT400 columns are longer among other differences even though the pre-airbag (88-94) columns look similar. Most people have said its not worth the effort for that swap.

Stumann666 · Jan 5, 2023

Thanks you all for your input. I think I might use the 82 column and put the dimmer switch on the floor, and put a wiper switch in the dash.

fast 99 · Jan 6, 2023

I did the same swap. Wait it out and get the correct column. They are out there. It will turn out to be a mess using a later 88up. One wrong connection or wire rub could spell disaster.

C10MixMaster · Jan 6, 2023

I built the column in my truck using the bottom from the 77 and the top is from a 93? OBS I think I had to fabricate the dimmer switch rod because of the length, so a lot of the pieces interchange between them. In retrospect finding a square body tilt column would have made more sense.

tobiahr · Jan 10, 2023

I am doing the reverse swap, putting a 86 column in a 81. Need to figure out the wiring to move the wiper controls and dimmer to the column

Big Chip · Jan 11, 2023

Steering column interchange

I've noticed this question has come up a lot lately, so here's the breakdown. Click the link below pertaining to your year and options. Make sure to read the notes below each post for more important information about the interchange. 1973-77 Column shift; manual transmission 1973-77 Column...

www.gmsquarebody.com

48hd · Sep 23, 2023

i run my dimmer on the floor where it should be. your floor pan is already dimpled for it from the factory. i still use the wiper switch on the turn signal handle.

Steering Column Interchange

Stumann666

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Goldie Driver

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CalSgt

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Stumann666

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fast 99

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C10MixMaster

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tobiahr

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Big Chip

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Steering column interchange

48hd

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