Modern steering column swap?

[TheFishBox]

Has anyone attempted to swap a modern steering column into a square? I was thinking about finding a 2007 ish column/wheel setup so I could have tilt/telescope, column shift and if I can figure it out using the wiper controls also.

The big question is if the shaft can be made to work with the squarebody steering box. I should be able to move the mounts if needed.

 

[yevgenievich]

Would be easier to get a squarebody column with those functions. But mating the shaft is not a big deal with some work. I have a spare 07 column, and most everything is different enough that it would take some work.

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[TheFishBox]

Could you elaborate more on what is different? Just trying to see what this can of worms could turn into.

 

[AuroraGirl]

you need a column with a lot of discrete switches or there will be moduels and custom inputs..

also your seat has a lever to move forward and back for the telescoping lol.

Brake your current one just right it will do both

 

[yevgenievich]

Mounting to dash, pass through firewall, shaft, wiring

 

[AuroraGirl]

Would be easier to get a squarebody column with those functions. But mating the shaft is not a big deal with some work. I have a spare 07 column, and most everything is different enough that it would take some work.

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ALSO MOST OF Those new columns have Rack steering so you would have a problem gettigt the OE angle and enough shaft length. Also usually use an intermediate shaft with a rubber boot, and a lot of the GM ones use magnesium backing supports on the dashes and aluminum mounting all over.

 

[yevgenievich]

Newer columns don't use a bearing at the firewall. They have more support inside the dash. Around 07 trucks still used gear boxes for steering.

 

[AuroraGirl]

Newer columns don't use a bearing at the firewall. They have more support inside the dash. Around 07 trucks still used gear boxes for steering.

I mean If you want to wire it up and have the weird large plastic that doesnt fit in anywhere lol and many features you cant use.Correct on the bearing, they have usually an entire structural aluminum housings and then brackets and IPs to mount to. YOu would need to fab a lot to have that structure.

 

[TheFishBox]

Where can a guy find an older column with the wipers on the column and a tilt? Short of scouring the wrecking yards.

 

[yevgenievich]

88-91 suburbans make for good parts vehicles. But I believe after 84 or so wipers were on the column

 

[CalSgt]

88-91 suburbans make for good parts vehicles. But I believe after 84 or so wipers were on the column

I think my mom's '83 K-5 had wipers and CC on a tilt column... We sold it about 1997 so my memory may be a little skewed

 

[AuroraGirl]

I think my mom's '83 K-5 had wipers and CC on a tilt column... We sold it about 1997 so my memory may be a little skewed

The wiper switch and the colums etc etc could be cheated to get if you find a suitable gm vehicle and want to do some work. You can take the column from my 1990 olds 88 and get it off, and with work you got yourself a square column with tilt, 3 horn buttons(1 since I made the 2 extra not work on purpose) red everything, cruise, high beam, wipers, and 4 speed auto detent shifter (4l60 with levers and not linkages, 440-t4, 4t60E, 4t65e, 4t80e etc that work with the cable system to) and you most notable need the column which has a way to mount a switch with those functions which I believe requires a in column switch at the base to support the stalk. so a 70s gm car may have the column to support what is desired but electrical and components would be a lot of homework on your part.

 

[AuroraGirl]

Where can a guy find an older column with the wipers on the column and a tilt? Short of scouring the wrecking yards.

you would be easier finding a tilt column almost no matter what in good shape and then making it work with changes or finding one yes. my 78k10 had tilt and cruise stallk but dash wipers
There werent many column wiper setups until the late 70s and then even I think cadillac and a couple odd ball buick and oldsmobile models maybe had some on the highest of trims at the most rare of to finds. once they started using the gm standardized stalks they quickly shifted as a company which that shift is as you notice the late 70s early 80s. 83,84 for squares pretty sure but gmc and chevy,k5 to k30, manual steering be damned, vans were also something to consider becausee i believe they have more on the column early to help with driver accessibility but who knows. go find a guy who loves conversion vans and is inclined they know everything because they had to work for it

 

[rpcraft]

New model truck columns also do not have the reverse and neutral safety switches built into them so you would have to account for those as well.