Installed a 78 Tilt Column in an 83 K10

[AuroraGirl]

Yes, the column is great in that regard. It gives you plenty of room to move around. Just so you know, you need to change the intermediate shaft if you're going with a 78 or older column that has the spline instead of the bolt. Everything else bolts up and wires up just the same. Mine is an 83 K10 Stepside.

where at is this spline / bolt portion at ? do you know what year that changed?

 

[Mike8393]

It's at the bottom of the steering column on the engine side of the fire wall where it meets the intermediate shaft. Sometime around 78-79 the spline connection turned into a much easier to install bolt connection. You will also need to be aware that all the original factory spline columns will be from a 3 spd transmission truck. If yours is an 80's truck it could have a 3 or 4 spd transmission. That's the only internal issue I've had to deal with. My truck has a 700R4 but the replacement column I have came out of a 78, 3 spd transmission truck. Still trying to figure out how to fix that issue with the shift handle not locking.

 

[AuroraGirl]

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Evidently you can change the depth of the column if you want by moving the facotry mount location

 

[AuroraGirl]

It's at the bottom of the steering column on the engine side of the fire wall where it meets the intermediate shaft. Sometime around 78-79 the spline connection turned into a much easier to install bolt connection. You will also need to be aware that all the original factory spline columns will be from a 3 spd transmission truck. If yours is an 80's truck it could have a 3 or 4 spd transmission. That's the only internal issue I've had to deal with. My truck has a 700R4 but the replacement column I have came out of a 78, 3 spd transmission truck. Still trying to figure out how to fix that issue with the shift handle not locking.

so the spot that fwd cars attach a u joint shaft to the steering rack , which is bolted

I bet you it was to facilitate exactly that on the new upcoming FWD cars

The shift handle should lock, but as described the detent plate has a job so i advise replacing it. may be a good time to do upper column bearings?
Also, look at the transmission lever. is it distorted or bent?
Hows the actual mechanism for the shifter as well, if it was being pressured by a PO and binding it could be bending/worn

 

[Mike8393]

I've had this column completely apart and restored it down to the last bolt. It was in great shape to begin with. All bearings are good, all parts were sanded or sand blasted and painted. All electric switches were replaced. I even bought a new GM steering wheel for it. I never gave the 3 spd-4 spd issue a thought until I put it in the truck and went through the gears. It looks good in my truck. I'll have to take it apart again and see if I can get a 4 spd detent plate from a supplier.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I've had this column completely apart and restored it down to the last bolt. It was in great shape to begin with. All bearings are good, all parts were sanded or sand blasted and painted. All electric switches were replaced. I even bought a new GM steering wheel for it. I never gave the 3 spd-4 spd issue a thought until I put it in the truck and went through the gears. It looks good in my truck. I'll have to take it apart again and see if I can get a 4 spd detent plate from a supplier.

do you have a non tilt that came out of your 83? Remove it and trade someone or sell it unless you find it easily enough i guess

 

[Mike8393]

I'm going to hang on to it for now. I'll definitely need to get the locking shifter issue fixed. I'm hopeful I can get the correct detent plate and have all gears and the locking shifter working as they should.

 

[Mike8393]

This morning, I called "Steering Column Services" and talked to Nick who was very helpful. He said I needed a different detent plate #5994 that should fix the 3 spd to 4 spd column conversion. He also explained to me what to look for as far as the shifter not locking. The detent plate I need is on the way. Thanks to all who helped me resolve this problem. This forum is great for getting the information you need in a friendly environment. Thank again!

 

[SplitSsss]

I just restored and installed what I believe to be a tilt column out of a 78 Chevy truck. I cleaned up the rust, repainted and put it back together. It installed perfectly in my 83 K10. Steering wheel locks fine but the column shifter does not. Shifts perfectly through Park, Reverse, Neutral and all four (700R4) gears. I've removed the shift linkage and pulled the shift tube lever up as high as it will go and the shifter still does not lock. Does anyone have any thoughts on the problem? Thanks in advance!

The shift lever has a spring and gate. Part 56 & 36

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