66 steering column

[peep6543]

The steering column on my 66 project has a busted ignition module so it currently runs a push button start. the blinker arm is also busted up and barely hanging on. The plastic all around it is pretty messed up, and I'm thinking its in my best interests to replace the column. Can anyone tell me what years (other than 66) steering column would be a direct replacement? If I can find one that hooks right up from another year on CL I would save time and money! I appreciate the help!

Cheers

 

[IOPort51]

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/cj-5-steering-column-swap-1995/

check this out, I think you will find it interesting, I know I did.

 

[CJ]

Your 66 originally had the old tube style column, if you have a later model column then it was swapped in. Most GM late model columns should be a direct swap. To be sure - snap some pics for us so we can look at them.

 

[BajaEdition]

Your 66 originally had the old tube style column, if you have a later model column then it was swapped in. Most GM late model columns should be a direct swap. To be sure - snap some pics for us so we can look at them.

I have to agree, a 66 had the ignition on the dash and the blinker assembly is a easy changout as it is a unit attached to the column.
So now I beg to ask a few more questions you need to answer before going forward. what I mean is we need to know what you have, so.....
Has the system been changed over to a saginaw steering system?
how is the tierod system setup, are there 1 tie rods or 2
answer those, and get me a few pictures and we can see what is going on and get a good swap in there

 

[peep6543]

Ok thanks a million guys. Unfortunately the old girl is 2 hours away in Seattle and I live in Central WA so I only get to work on weekends. This also limits my picture taking ability. As far as Saignaw, honestly I don't know what that is...sorry.... and if I had to guess I would say the column has been swapped out. I've seen a few pics of original assemblies and my column is light brown and a bit wider of a tube beneath the steering wheel. My dash is in shambles and thats something I plan on replacing down the road also, which coincides with moving the push button start to its original key format location on the dash. CJ- can you maybe elaborate a bit more on what exactly 'any late model GM column' means? I don't expect I can pull a 2010 Escalade column and throw it in lol. Thanks for helping everyone! your brains are larger than mine

Cheers

 

[BajaEdition]

through 71 all jeeps came with what is called Ross steering, it was a complicated system that was prone to wear and sloppy steering. A common modification was to replace some of the system with a system based on the GM saginaw system. It involved modification of the pre box steering system (lengthened) puttin the steering box at the end of the froont of the frame, with a pitman arm, and new tie rod system. If your Jeep has a steering box at the end of the front drivers side front frame, pitman arm, and a single draglink going to a single tie rod then it has been converted, If the steering sytem is above the front axle with 2 connecting rods, each going to either side of the axle, then it is a Ross system.
Because of the difference in the 2 systems we need to know what we are looking at.

 

[peep6543]

Ok thanks Baja that makes it much more clear. I will be able to take pics on Saturday and have them uploaded sometime later in the day. With a lift, modified cage, and aftermarket engine already in it I wouldn't be surprised to see a steering swap also. But, the steering is pretty loose and a bit wobbly at times so maybe that's evidence of the original system. I will keep everyone posted.

 

[peep6543]

here is a look at the steering linkage from the front as well as a look at my cruddy old steering column. on the second look it appears my column has tilt so im guessing it was swapped at some point. anyway, let me know what your thoughts are on the saginaw kit and all that. hopefully my less than pro photo skills are good enough!

cheers

 

[BajaEdition]

Great,, I can tell you that entire dash has been modded by one of the POs of the machine. and that your steering has been converted to a Saginaw or similar system.
so here is what is needed to do. first, check your draglink and tie rod ends for looseness, as well as the shock on the steering stabilizer. a lot of the sloppy steering may be found there. next grab the pitman arm and shake it checking to see if the steering box is not worn out and loose, then check the linage back to the steering column. also make sure the linkage is all suported proper.
I know a lot of guyss did some funky stuff when doing those mods, so inspecting it all will usually find places you need to work a bit here and there. From the looks of that jeep it has had a hard life. About the steering column, you are in luck there. pull it and measure up the shaft length, go to a junk yaard and find one that long or a bit longer you like and get it, have the fitting on the bottom of the original cut off and put on the new one making sure the length is the same and bolt it in. next just use a meter to figure out a few wires and volia. You can even update to tilt steering that way.