Tilt column question

[asphaltaddict]

since it seems that the tilt upgrade kinda popular, im curious as to which columns might work. is there a list anywhere with compatable donors? I've got a 73 CJ5 but will be pulling the power steering out of my 78 CJ7 to swap. any ideas?

 

[IOPort51]

I can help with the 78 but I don't have any idea what the best way to do the 73 is, the stearing columns are quite different are they not?

since it seems that the tilt upgrade kinda popular, im curious as to which columns might work. is there a list anywhere with compatable donors? I've got a 73 CJ5 but will be pulling the power steering out of my 78 CJ7 to swap. any ideas?

 

[Sasquach]

This is Baja's teritory, you may need to retitle your post with the year in it to get his atension.

 

[BajaEdition]

Well no retitle needed.
There are many columns that will work, but if you want a bolt in, that could be hard.
I do not know for sure that the 78 and the 73 are different, but I will say that in 76 jeep widened the frame and did floor board work to Cjs, exactly what is affected in the steering column I cannot say. However I can give a bit of advice.
Most any column is going need you to do some shaft adapting and trail and error fitting and then cycleing the system. you will probably want to set aside 2 weekends to do the conversion. The first to fit and try, the second to weld in the parts you had to gather the week after the first weekend.
If we were swapping in a 72 to 75 unit into the 73 I would think it was an easy do, but somewhere I feel the difference in frame is going get you fabbing a part or two.
Good luck and take pics to show us all.
PS, a lot of guys like the GM columns out of Camaros and related cars.
PSS, remember that if you change the angle of the column and cut a new hole in the firewall that you will need to reinforce the sheet metal that supports the column or it WILL crack.

 

[chris insull]

BajaEdition hit it right on... In addition, I would make sure your welding skills are up to the task, invest in a box-to-opposite frame rail (after boxing) brace, and don't rule out using an aftermarket column from IDIDIT; Flaming River, etc... I used a 30" tilt IDIDIT column for my '71 CJ5 in '98 and have never regretted it. IMHO, steering system mods are directly related to life expectancy...

 

[IOPort51]

I just put a tilt wheel from a 92 Cherokee in my 77 CJ5 . 99% of it was plug and play mechanical and electrical so if it looks like the 78 into the 73 is doable the Cherokee tilt won't be a big deal.