Steering Column Replacement

[Tynan918]

Shopping for replacement keyed steering column, but I need to know the length of the stock steering column before I can buy a replacement...

The one I found is 30", but an EBay seller selling a used stock steering column says the length on it is 35"...

What should I be looking for ?

 

[565bbchevy]

Pulled the ignition switch rod out accidentally a few months ago, and since then I have been starting it with by the ignition switch and a screwdriver...

Spent 72 hours trying to get that rod in before I just threw it away. Didn't have the tools or confidence to tear it apart to get the rod back on...too many small pieces for me, but once its out, I can use it to open up and rebuild with confidence lol

IMO I would just look for a good used 84' and up tilt column that matches the options on yours, either someone parting out a Gbody locally or one that is already been removed or a local yard if they have Gbody's, I would avoid anything that is not a direct swap saving from having fitment and wiring issues.

 

[Tynan918]

IMO I would just look for a good used 84' and up tilt column that matches the options on yours, either someone parting out a Gbody locally or one that is already been removed or a local yard if they have Gbody's, I would avoid anything that is not a direct swap saving from having fitment and wiring issues.

I'll look for local before considering buying the aftermarket.

 

[565bbchevy]

Factory or Aftermarket link ?

1. JEGS, Summit, EBay, Amazon has the aftermarket...

JEGS 70495: Universal Floor Shift Tilt Keyed Steering Column, Chrome, 2 in. Diameter, 32 in. Length - JEGS

Get the Best Performance with JEGS Universal Floor Shift Tilt Keyed Steering Column, Chrome, 2 in. Diameter, 32 in. Length 70495 parts at JEGS. Shop Now at the Guaranteed Lowest Price!

www.jegs.com

Helix HEXCC2KXX0X9X0 Helix Tilt Steering Columns | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Helix Tilt Steering Columns with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Steering Columns at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

Helix 9993 32" Keyed Chrome Steering Column Floor Shift https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HG46A4S/?tag=gbody-20

2. Seen the near $1k factory on EBay...

🔥1984-1987 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS FLOOR SHIFT STEERING COLUMN TILT REBUILT🔥 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 🔥1984-1987 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO SS FLOOR SHIFT STEERING COLUMN TILT REBUILT🔥 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Have you thought about how you are going to control your wipers on a new aftermarket column which look like they are mostly designed for older vehicles (at least the ones you posted) and with all of those extras needed just for the install it will probably add a couple hundred dollars to the install if not more.

 

[Tynan918]

Have you thought about how you are going to control your wipers on a new aftermarket column which look like they are mostly designed for older vehicles (at least the ones you posted) and with all of those extras needed just for the install it will probably add a couple hundred dollars to the install if not more.

Didn't notice the wiper knob was missing, I'll ask the sellers about that...

From what I see in those videos, the only extra parts needed are that joint and coupler ... Quoted at about $100 tops...

 

[scoti]

The Helix is def from an import source. My bet is the Jegs 'universal' is as well.

My money would still go toward rebuilding your existing column or purchasing a rebuilt unit like what you linked. The 'universal' columns are $400 but universal = it's not going to be a 1:1 in/out swap install. The rebuilt GM unit is $750 and a direct replacement for your vehicle. If you send them your old column, it's $650.

That $250 difference would be money well spent on a 1:1 direct swap replacement part unless you've done 'universal' column swaps before & know how to navigate the wiring circuits to make things work correctly. I know you're trying to learn, but there's a time & place for that to happen. The reality is you need more learning on the wiring end of things so I def feel the direct replacement set-up is money better spent.

 

[Tynan918]

Have you thought about how you are going to control your wipers on a new aftermarket column which look like they are mostly designed for older vehicles (at least the ones you posted) and with all of those extras needed just for the install it will probably add a couple hundred dollars to the install if not more.

On the other hand, I could just buy another key ignition rod for the steering column I have, and get over my fear of breaking down the column insides and just reattach the rod, then problem solved...🤷🏾‍♂...

How hard is that job ?

 

[scoti]

On the other hand, I could just buy another key ignition rod for the steering column I have, and get over my fear of breaking down the column insides and just reattach the rod, then problem solved...🤷🏾‍♂...

How hard is that job ?

Yep you could that as well. Can't tell you how hard it is to do because I've never dove into a column to replace one.
If you feel you can do the job then that's obviously a better financial option.

 

[565bbchevy]

Maybe post in the Wanted section on here for a steering column, plenty of guys go to yards that have Gbody's and can probably find one that will work for you or might already have one.

 

[Tynan918]

Maybe post in the Wanted section on here for a steering column, plenty of guys go to yards that have Gbody's and can probably find one that will work for you or might already have one.

Yea I'll look into that after watching a few steering column tear down videos and deciding whether I can tackle it or not...

 

[57 Handyman]

Tynan, check out this video on rebuilding the steering column. Hutch does great videos that anyone with minimal skills can take on. Lastly, I just measured the spare steering column and it is 35" from tip to tip.