Steering 1972 CJ tilt steering conversion

[Purcell169]

I’m new to the CJ community and just purchased a pretty solid, well sorted 1972 CJ-5 with a Meyers 1/2 cab. It has a 258 from a 1979 CJ-7 and already has power steering installed.

With the 1/2 cab, getting in and out is a bit tricky. The steering wheel is in the middle of my chest. I’m considering going to a shorter column, (about 28”) with tilt. I know the two columns have different diameters, so I know I will need to re-work the mounting. What else am I likely to run into?

I’m capable of fabrication work and have actually built other custom vehicles previously. The biggest issue I am facing right now is limited tools available, since I live in Oklahoma, but I’m currently working (and playing with my new to me Jeep) in North Carolina.

 

[CJ]

I have a 72 also. The steering column is terrible with an external blinker assembly.
This most difficult issue is if you wish to replace the column with a GM tilt or non tilt style is you have to do a little rework on the firewall as well as wiring work.
It's not super difficult but does require tools.

 

[CJ]

Oh, BTW - Great looking Jeep.

How about a showing off here

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[jzak]

Tilt steering column is mandatory for any middle age guy with a big gut. My previous CJ5 had a straight column, and eventhough I was 20 pounds lighter, it was a real pain to get in and drive the thing. If you're going to spend the money and time on a project, switching over to a tilt column should be in your top three. Its a game changer.

 

[chris insull]

On my '71, I went with an Ididit tilt column, keeping the dash ignition. Replaced the Ross worm gear box and all tie rods using a kit from AA, along with their headers. Used a 4 bolt GM box with pump for reliability. Cross braced the box to the passenger side frame rail after boxing in both front frame rails. All of this was completed in 1998... I've never looked back!

 

[TSB8C]

My '84 CJ7 got a tilt column from Columns Galore in NY. I wanted tilt and also to eliminate the ignition switch since I installed a push button start. Love the clean look and the flexibility of the tilt.