Steering column interchange??

[Matt69olds]

Long story, hang with me!! I seem to recall asking this question before, but if I did I can’t find the thread.

Many many years ago, I bought a very well optioned wrecked Silverado. Over the winter, I transferred the power windows, power door locks, tilt steering column, delay wipers, sliding rear window and a few other things into my 81 GMC. I also recovered the seat, and replaced the ratty carpet.

Once I got everything back together I noticed the steering wheel is much closer to my chest than is comfortable. Since the Silverado was smashed up and undrivable, I have no clue if it was the same way as the GMC, but I have little reason to doubt that it was.

The GMC is in winter drydock for some much needed attention and upgrades. On of the things I’d like to address is the steering column. Are all square body column the same dimensions? Unfortunately, by the time I got the seat back from the upholstery shop and the truck driving, the original column was long gone. So I had nothing to compare to.

Does anyone know if a column from a 93 GMC would interchange? More importantly, what are the odd the top part is shorter? I haven’t actually compared them side by side, but it does appear that way. Just curious if anyone in readerland knows for sure.

 

[legopnuematic]

Here is another thread on this basic topic. Might have some ideas in it.

As far as I know, columns for these trucks should all be the about the same or the same effective length. You can fudge them a little longer or shorter when installing them, but maybe 1/2" to 1".

A first gen S10 column I think is a shorter column than one of these trucks and basically a direct fit.

 

[Grit dog]

Here is another thread on this basic topic. Might have some ideas in it.

As far as I know, columns for these trucks should all be the about the same or the same effective length. You can fudge them a little longer or shorter when installing them, but maybe 1/2" to 1".

A first gen S10 column I think is a shorter column than one of these trucks and basically a direct fit.

That opens up a lot more options for replacement columns for 80s Squares? Were they plug n play? Thinking back, the gmt400s didn’t have any more “technology” built into the steering column assembly. But I never had one apart because I’ve haven’t owned any since they were “newer” trucks.

 

[nvrenuf]

That S10 option for a shorter column is great!

 

[legopnuematic]

That opens up a lot more options for replacement columns for 80s Squares? Were they plug n play? Thinking back, the gmt400s didn’t have any more “technology” built into the steering column assembly. But I never had one apart because I’ve haven’t owned any since they were “newer” trucks.

I had a moment and looked at Rock Auto to check part numbers, it appears that everything crosses over from an early gmt400 column to 84+ squarebody column, or an 83 and earlier making the same changes/adaptions as an 84-87(91) column in an earlier truck.

 

[Zelph]

Isn’t the steering shaft in the GMT400 larger?