4 X 4 SWAP MEET

[Comet]

Is that the 4x4 convention? We need more trails and less rules.

Yep, and I hear ya. I'll pass this along...Heep70 says more trails, less rules!

[Comet]

I'm not sure what I was looking at, but it looks like I will be able to make this afterall. I was only a month off, but now I can look for that steering col!

[heep70]

[willowbilly3]

Yeah, definetly the Puyallup one (unless I'm out of town). Maybe the Portland one, if I can talk a buddy into going (and driving ). I usually go to the White Knuckles in your neck of the woods (sorta). I just need to remember the dates. If I do, I'm usually a sucker for going. I need a '73-'77 steering col. from a 4x4 so I'll be looking for that. F.O.R.D. and I have been PMing each other all night on this junk too.

Comet, you need that for a stick shift F-150? I think I might have one but the little u-joint has some slack in it.

[Comet]

No, looking for an automatic on the column (4x4). Thanks though.

[willowbilly3]

Does the 4x4 use a different mast or is it just the shaft that's different?

[Comet]

Neither, err, both. From what I have been able to gather (this is all word of mouth, not me checking) is that the 2wds have a flange on the mast that is not used on 4x4s. On most 2wds I understand the flange to be welded, others it is bolted. If bolted-no big deal. If welded, then it must be cut and re-splined (read more cost than I want to deal with). Anyway, there is some debate about this, so to avoid any confusion on my part I'm keeping my search to 4x4s. I've only recently stepped up my search and don't really need it until summer, so I have some time before I get panicky.

[FORDification]

The steering box on 2WD trucks is located behind the front axle, and the steering column bolts directly to it with a flange welded onto the end of the column shaft.



Because the steering box is located up in front of the axle on 4WD trucks, the steering column shaft is usually splined to accept a yoke, which is connected to a short driveshaft that stretches up to the steering box. However, some columns have a removeable flange and can be used for either application

[willowbilly3]

Maybe I am using the wrong nomenclature. By mast I meant the tube part, not the shaft. Could you use the 4wd shaft inside a 2wd tube? I was wondering if the tubes were the same. Next time I get out there I will snag the column so I can do some research. I have the part of the shaft from the spline foreward with the little U-joint and I have a mid 70s column for an automatic. The little U-joint has a bit of play in it and I'm not sure if it can be reolaced. I know I did replace the one on my 69 highboy but that was many moons ago and I seem to remember it presented some degree of difficulty.

[Comet]

Willow, I knew what you meant. I think Keith's description better states what I was trying to say about crossover application of the 2wd v. 4x4 cols. I think it can be done, but if the 2wd col. has that flange welded, it it more work than it's worth to me.

[willowbilly3]

So the tube part of the column is different if it has the welded flange on the shaft?

[Comet]

Yep. The flange is the only difference as far as I know. Like mentioned above, if bolted, easy to remove and use for my apps. If welded, I'm not interested. So, to be safe (since this really gets confusing) I'm limiting my search to 4x4 columns. Now, when summer arrives and I still haven't found what I want, then I'll start looking at other options.

[heep70]

I have an extra from my Subaru I will sell to ya for aahhhhh million dollors when you get to that real desperate stag.

[Comet]

Thanks Greg, you're a big help!
Gotta a Suby the wife drives, so I's gots da partz already!

[heep70]

Who is all planning on attending this swap?