• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Steering Column Question

73PlyRR

Well-Known Member
Local time
1:00 AM
Joined
Feb 18, 2018
Messages
46
Reaction score
15
Location
Virginia
Hello Everyone
First I did a search and did not find what I was looking for.

I have a 73 RoadRunner and I just put in a floor shifter. It used to be a column Shift car I still have the column shifter in it although its disconnected.

I got a column from a 73 floor shift car and took it apart.

Can I just change the locking collar or would I have to change the entire column?
 
I believe just the collar
 
DSCF0170.JPG
My car was a column auto, converted to floor. The stick was removed, but because I'm a lazy cheap bastard, I mounted an oil temp gauge where the column shifter used to be. I put a hefty spring off of the lever on the lower column to the frame so I can move the gauge some if I need to. I have a lousy picture of it :::::::::::It really works, not just a phony!
DSCF0173.JPG
 
Last edited:
The column collars do interchange. I have converted many 70-76 A body columns from column shift to floor shift style using manual trans Dodge truck steering column parts.
 
Hello Everyone
First I did a search and did not find what I was looking for.

I have a 73 RoadRunner and I just put in a floor shifter. It used to be a column Shift car I still have the column shifter in it although its disconnected.

I got a column from a 73 floor shift car and took it apart.

Can I just change the locking collar or would I have to change the entire column?




I just complete the same swap. I rebuilt it from scratch rag joint to turn signal switch. I h
Use a donor column for the clar. I had to source a swing for the collar as my doner column did not have one. Only the lock collar needed to be replace but you do have to remove the shift tub and not put it back in. The body manual said not to put the shift tube spring washer back in but I did not like the play so I took it back apart and put it in. Much better fit. Here are before and after pics.
20200730_175405.jpg
20200731_110522.jpg
20210119_194328.jpg
20210119_194452.jpg
20210205_135231.jpg
 
I just complete the same swap. I rebuilt it from scratch rag joint to turn signal switch. I h
Use a donor column for the clar. I had to source a swing for the collar as my doner column did not have one. Only the lock collar needed to be replace but you do have to remove the shift tub and not put it back in. The body manual said not to put the shift tube spring washer back in but I did not like the play so I took it back apart and put it in. Much better fit. Here are before and after pics.View attachment 1065625 View attachment 1065626 View attachment 1065627 View attachment 1065628 View attachment 1065629
Sorry for the typos doing this from a tablet.
*I had used a donor column for the collar*
*I had to source a spring for the collar as my donor column did not have one.*
 
Collars are being sold repro nowdays.

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/mp14054.html

several dealers around, just showing one

I' have allways thought there is more involved to get the full conversion, like remove the linkage tube should make change on the lower bearing. But for the cabin transformation, already explained what is involved.

Not talking from the experience, but thinking out loud
 
Last edited:
Nacho,
You are correct to make the engine compartment side look correct you have to remove the linkage tube and replace the bearing. I wanted it to look factory so I chose to do the whole dismantle which was needed anyway to do the coupler and the ragjoint. On the interior side it is only the collar. I bought the donor column a few years ago before the aftermarket replacement collars were available or I might have gone that route.
 
I just complete the same swap. I rebuilt it from scratch rag joint to turn signal switch. I h
Use a donor column for the clar. I had to source a swing for the collar as my doner column did not have one. Only the lock collar needed to be replace but you do have to remove the shift tub and not put it back in. The body manual said not to put the shift tube spring washer back in but I did not like the play so I took it back apart and put it in. Much better fit. Here are before and after pics.View attachment 1065625 View attachment 1065626 View attachment 1065627 View attachment 1065628 View attachment 1065629

Awesome MoparJim, thank you thank you

I have a full manual column I bought used and I started rebuilding it this weekend. That's why I asked if it was easier to just replace the locking collar instead of the whole column.

You pulled the shift tube and just replaced it the locking collar.

Where did you source parts for the rebuild?
Also what did you use to remove the collar pin at the top that holds the locking plate in?
Do you have more pics you can send me?
 
Awesome MoparJim, thank you thank you

I have a full manual column I bought used and I started rebuilding it this weekend. That's why I asked if it was easier to just replace the locking collar instead of the whole column.

You pulled the shift tube and just replaced it the locking collar.

Where did you source parts for the rebuild?
Also what did you use to remove the collar pin at the top that holds the locking plate in?
Do you have more pics you can send me?
I bought the coupler rebuild kit from Detriot Muscle and the rag joint on Ebay, I thought about doing the solid ones mentioned in the other threads but wanted the originality of the OEM rubber so I coughed up the extra cash for that one.

I drove the pin out with a punch but you have to be careful and go easy, you do not want to damage the collapsible pins in the column
He is another hint, YouTube, there is a 4 part series on dismantling and reassembly on an e body column that is very detailed. I also read through the factory service manual and kept it handy during the rebuild. Search this forum to there are a lot smarter guys then me that can help with there tips.

Here are some more pics
20200730_175930.jpg
20200731_101753.jpg
20200731_113724.jpg
20200731_112214.jpg
20200731_112931.jpg


My lock collar did not have the hole (bottom center of the pic) drilled for the key cylinder so I had to mark and drill it
20200731_113631.jpg
20200731_102907.jpg
20200730_183126.jpg
20200730_183730.jpg


This is the wavy washer the manual said was only needed with the shift tube but I put it back in and it tightened up the gap between the lock collar and ignition key collar
20200731_120655.jpg
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top