non tilt steering column refurb links

[JointTech]

anybody have any good links to disassembly/reassembly of a 72 non tilt auto steering column? Lots of pictures and idiot proof type stuff

I searched here and google but didnt find something as good as this one is for drum brakes. http://www.pbase.com/nufsed/drumbrake

[68bowtie]

id like to see that too.

[70blackfish]

bump for u

[Boog]

Here is a thread covering most of what you want.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...90#post4755990

and this parts diagram.

[leftybass209]

I just followed that picture 2 days ago building my non tilt. It was really easy. The only thing I didn't disassemble was the shift tube mechanism with the dual springs and arm at the bottom. Mine was pretty smooth, so I just hosed it down with some cleaner and wire brushed it. The assembly itself is straight forward, the hardest part is clocking the turn signal housing. The way I made sure it was on right was mocking up the shift indicator and having the shift tube in park.

[JointTech]

that link looks pretty helpful, thanks. Maybe Ill make one as good as the drum brake guy not sure I have the patience though.

[JointTech]

ok well start from the bottom and see if I can be disciplined enough to keep taking pictures.

start by putting the new boot onto the Lower steering shaft #26. these can be gotten from wes at classic heartbeat and inline tube has them as well.
This boot is inside #25 the intermediate coupling.
the clip ring is a pain to get on but keep fighting it and third hand helps.


put on your square end nut things and the little clippy deal that goes on top.


Grease the crap out of it. I used high temp grease because thats what I had handy. I gooed up the end including inside those square nuts.


Then fill the coupler with the same grease.


Then slide the shaft into the coupler. it only goes one way.


Then put in the clip ring to hold the gasket in place. Put the non bent side in first. you can see the clip has a rise so it can go back over itself.


more to come...

[JointTech]

put your grommets on the main column.


Fuzzy felt thing goes on the shift tube.


Install #2 and #3 Shift housing bushing and seat. Metal one goes in first.


I greased it. The bushing fits in the notch as seen here.


Slide the shift tube into the main tube.


Align the lever so it fits into the notch in the main tube.


You can see the tang for the neutral safety switch in the notch on the column.


youll see the hole for the shift lever as well.


I also lubed up the shift tube and springs.


attach the strap and 3 bolts to hold the shift tube in place.


Lube the upper steering shaft and stick it in. the notched end goes towards the bottom.


Lower bearing setup


Install the adjusting ring.


Put on the bearing and spring and washer.


Attach coupling clamp to the upper shaft.


feed the turn signal switch wire through the shift lever housing and turn signal housing.


Rubber ring and Plastic thrust washer. #39 and #40


goes here. The tang fits one way.


Line up the hazard or turn signal handle with the holes in the housing

[leftybass209]

Everything looks good! Did you have the metal retaining ring on the column tube before assembly? I didn't see it and it may be that you didn't get a clear picture of it. I put mine on backwards the first time.

[trkfrk]

Subscribed, great pics.

[JointTech]

Originally Posted by leftybass209

Everything looks good! Did you have the metal retaining ring on the column tube before assembly? I didn't see it and it may be that you didn't get a clear picture of it. I put mine on backwards the first time.

doh... well 3 times is the charm. Ill get a pic of that and swap out the gasket picture above.

[Richard2112]

Interesting. I just destroyed my toe pan seal pushing the column through it. Guess that's not how it's done. Bet O'reillys doesn't have one. Duh!

[Jason's '72]

Any idea where I can get parts for my steering column? Specifically, item #39, the rubber ring that interfaces with the plastic thrust washer (#40)? I checked Classic Parts, Classic Industries, LMC, Napa, all with no results.

[SabbathFanatic]

I have the same question as Jason. I'm looking for 39 AND 40.

[Gromit]

OMG those photos are so helpful.. thank you JointTech!

[slikside]

Sub'd...

Nice write-up!

Thanks JT

[67chevemall]

This will be a great help.
Thanks

[Baker72chevy]

Just rebuilt my column this weekend my first built

[Montierth]

Anyone find a supplier for part 39 and 40?

[Lanman1972]

Sub'd

[67chevemall]

Most confusing part of the truck I think. Easier to rebuild an engine.
Is there any blow up pics of the different year columns? 67 and 68to72 non tilt.

[SabbathFanatic]

Originally Posted by Montierth

Anyone find a supplier for part 39 and 40?

Nobody makes them anymore. I ended up machining my own out of Delrin.

[WB72]

There is a guy (milkcrate82) on YouTube that has a series of videos rebuilding a 3 on the tree column. Very detailed, I used that to rebuild mine.

[mdeal]

I bought the lower bearing kit from LMC Truck. The inside diameter of the bearing is way too small to fit on the shaft. When i asked them about it they told me that all their bearings are the same size and sending me another one wouldn’t fix the problem. Ugh!

So, has anyone bought a lower bearing that fits?

[Lanman1972]

I purchased from Manes Truck parts and will be delivered today. As soon as I check the fit I'll let you know.