Original Steering Column Rebuild?

[SomersMerc]

Hi. I was wondering if anyone has ever taken apart thier original steering column and rebuilt it with new inner parts? I know that they sell the parts at LMC truck. My old column would slip out of park which is totally unsafe. I also heard that this used to be an issue for some of the older trucks? Not sure if anyone else heard of this. It also has a cracked collar which should be easy enough to change. I have a 1967. I just want to know how difficult it is to change the inner parts, take it apart and also add a new wiring harness. The shop totally butchered the old wires. In the mean time I had the original column replaced with a Flaming River Column but still like the original as it suits my truck better.

Thanks

[cdeal28078]

I've rebuilt a manual column pretty much all of the way and I have changed the shift collar and shift tube on an auto column. Both have been several years ago but they are not too hard. The hardest part to me on the manual is getting all of the shift arms back on correctly and getting them square headed bolts to stay put up top while you put the top back together. I ended up gluing in the bolts last time. You'll know what I'm talking about when you get to it
clint

[SomersMerc]

Thanks. I sent you a private message. Any idea other than LMC to get the parts.

[stephen44]

I need to do this at some point - so a photo project log on this would be great please.

[SomersMerc]

It will be awhile before I start this column project. I just finsihed changing my horn button on my new Grant wheel that was added to my new tilt Flaming River polished column. The wheel looks small for the truck but it will have to do for now.

[72BahamaBlue]

I'm in the process of rebuilding 2 columns, each out of a '72 F250 auto/power steering.
Some things I've found out so far about vendors.

1) The shift-collar from LMC is only $30., and made of a lighter and thinner material than original. It's going back.
2) The shift arm insulator(goes between the shift lever and collar) from LMC for the auto trans will not fit. It's going back.
3) The roll-pin connecting the shifter to the collar from LMC is about 1/4" too short. Yep, getting a ride back to sender.
4) The turn signal switch from NPD for the 67-72 is unavailable, the salesman said he had a replacement, what arrived was a 65-66 Mustang switch, too many differences. It's going back.

So far out of 2 boxes of parts, the only things that will work are the steering shaft bearings from LMC (Taiwan, look to be of reasonable quality).
I'll try NPD for more steering shaft bearings, they still have originals listed.
For a shift collar, I'd try Dennis Carpenter, I hope they also have a turn signal switch as well. Of note, all the replacement shift collars I've seen do not have the cast-in pointer as original. The have a slot for the later-style clip on plastic pointer.
I've had to go through this many times, getting parts that are incorrect, and having to find other sources. It's a real pain, so far Dennis Carpenter has been
100%, but don't have many items I need.
Anyway, when the reassembly starts, I'll post photos and part numbers, I hope to help prevent some of the difficulty I've experienced in sourcing parts.

[sargentrs]

I rebuilt my 3 on the tree column myself. Bought all the spacers, springs, bushings, bearings, etc from Carolina Classics. http://www.carolina-classics.com/Result ... ategory=22 Needed a new steering shaft and got one from a member here. About a 3-4 hour job start to finish if you don't know what you're doing, like I was. Parts cost me around $85 total but I didn't need a new shift collar.

[SomersMerc]

Thanks guys for the input. I will save your replays for future reference.

Dave