Steering Column

[Blue_Streak]

I have a few questions regarding the steering column that I am hoping my fellow enthusiasts will be able to answer.

I am in the process of doing a 1967 F100 long box restomod. Classic integrity remains but with new underpinnings and powerplant.
I was going to go to an Ididit column for the tilt capacity but want to retain the original steering wheel. I also want the column shift as I have an AOD. Alas Ididit does not offer such a thing. They only have such an animal but with a GM topshaft for a GM wheel or an adaptor for an aftermarket. Has anyone managed to successfully marry an adaptor to be able to use the stock wheel?
So, thinking that that idea is toast , I got to thinking about stock columns. My original was 3 on the tree with manual steering and I have been reading on here that there is a difference between manual and power steering columns. Does anyone know what the difference is? I am going to be hooking it into a new engineered front end with power rack and pinion.

Thanks

[sargentrs]

This article highlights differences http://www.fordification.com/tech/steering-column.htm There are a couple of other articles in the same tech section for additional info.

[basketcase0302]

I can't vouch for this company, (as I found mine used) but this was the route I took-and so...well worth it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Tilt-Ste ... BPfxLBxaZY

[Blue_Streak]

Thanks basketcase. I looked into this and they have a GM topshaft as well so no go on the original wheel. You said this was the route you took. What route did you go?

[Blue_Streak]

Since I am going into a new rack and pinion does it matter what column gets used? I see the differences being length and linkage and retainer but that's about it that I can see.

Also, I have an AOD so I would assume that even if I used an OEM automatic column shift it would not work considering that the automatics of the day were 3 speed not 4. Can anyone confirm this?

[sargentrs]

Since you're not using the OEM rag joint, and probably use a u-joint style, you have a lot of flexibilty with the length of your column.

Your 2nd question just caused me to have an epiphany! I was debating on whether to use the C4 I have, in my build, or swap in an AOD. I had not even thought about my steering column! Freshly rebuilt, painted and ready to install.

Interested in seeing what you find out there!

[basketcase0302]

Oops I did not realize the rebuilt OEM's I linked had the GM shaft in it, (I installed a OEM 78'/79' Ford tilt column in my bump).
Like Randy said too i also believe you'll find the column won't work, (shift collar wise) going from the 3 spd auto to the AOD.
You might wind up having to go to a "ghetto shifter" (what some folks here call them) / floor shifter / or go out on a limb and graft something together yourself to accommodate the AOD?
Sorry no help here...

[Blue_Streak]

Oops I did not realize the rebuilt OEM's I linked had the GM shaft in it, (I installed a OEM 78'/79' Ford tilt column in my bump).
Like Randy said too i also believe you'll find the column won't work, (shift collar wise) going from the 3 spd auto to the AOD.
You might wind up having to go to a "ghetto shifter" (what some folks here call them) / floor shifter / or go out on a limb and graft something together yourself to accommodate the AOD?
Sorry no help here...

I was thinking about the '78/'79 Ford tilt myself. They didn't come with AOD's did they? The research I've done says they were first introduced in '80. If not then that's not going to work either.

Then I got to thinking that why couldn't I buy a steering wheel from an early 80's Chev , knock out the centre spline, remove a 1 or 2 or 3 inch splined section ( whatever is needed ) from my own manual shaft, make up a bolt bracket and weld everything together. Then I have the female spline to press onto the GM topshaft with a grafted Ford topshaft to mount my OEM steering wheel. That way I would just buy the proper Ididit. Kinda Frankenstein but should work. Think it would all look ok and factory? Thoughts anyone?

[Blue_Streak]

So, regarding the shift patterns on the automatic columns, this is what I dug up over at FTE.

The poster asked a question about changing transmissions in his '70 from his 3 speed automatic C4 to an AOD


Your shifter will work fine with the AOD, as back then you only had 2nd/D/OD to chose from(like my '89 F150 has). Basically you couldn't pick Low gear to start in like the old days. Not until later did they have the electronic version OD tranny which the OD was controlled by a button on the shifter.

Ok, your shifter has P R N D 2 1

The AOD has P R N OD D 1

So, if you put your shifter in D, the AOD will be in OD. When your shifter is in 2, the AOD will be in Drive.
They made it so it would work with the same old shifter like you have. The newer electronic version has P R N D 2 1 and the OD was a button on the end of the shifter.

So @sargetrs maybe you're good to go after all. Can anyone else confirm the above information?

If this info is true then maybe I can go back to the '78/'79 tilt idea.

[sargentrs]

Thanks!

[basketcase0302]

That makes perfect sense about the options on the column shifter for a OEM AOD tranny, (2nd / D / OD being the options to shift between).
And ewww you spoke foul words LOL!


Required reading...

http://www.fordification.com/censorship.htm