Steering column- project COMPLETED!

[Daryl]

How hard is it to swap a steering wheel with ABS onto a remanufactured steering column? The reason I’m asking is that I was going to take my existing column in to have a local shop line up the lock cylinder gears, etc so the ignition cylinder would pop in there in place correctly. For the life of me and even though I followed the YouTube video tutorial diligently, it isn’t lining up.

Then I thought while I have the column out, why not replace the 30-yr old ignition module (preventative). Then, one step further, I began to wonder what the price of a replacement remanufactured column would be? Turns out I can get one from Ford for less than $200 in about 3 days, free shipping!

This seems like a no-brainer, but I wanted to stop and make sure swapping the OE steering wheel was do-able.

Thoughts, comments, suggestions???

 

[highplace11]

The ABS is irrelevant to the steering column, put your seat back all the way and crawl under there and the rest of the story tells itself practically, the knuckles under the hood have nuts on them and you can usually release whichever is easiest to get to, a little vague to understand EXACTLY what you are trying to accomplish but there are bolts down where the column goes through and you have remove some interior lower dash stuff, etc... It's a PITA, if you are taking something to a shop I'm questioning that you should mess with it lol J/K...

Mark
highplace11

 

[07GtS197]

I’m still kind of curious why the ignition cylinder won’t go back in. You line up the grooves and slide it back in. It’s pretty foolproof. The ignition switch is one of those things if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

Now when you say steering column, do you mean the lower column with the rag joint? If so, skip a “rebuilt” one and go with an aftermarket one like flaming river or mm. They get rid of the oem rag joint making the steering tighter and more responsive.

 

[Daryl]

wish I had known that few days ago. already ordered the reman unit, which is supposed to be here today. FWIW, an IDIDIT or Flaming River did cross my mind but kinda pricey and I didn't know if switching to one of those would usher in a cluster of new hoops to jump thru to make it work. So I erred on the side of caution!

 

[ttocs]

I still say take a stop by your local locksmith with the column and ignition and see if they have any ideas.

 

[Daryl]

I still say take a stop by your local locksmith with the column and ignition and see if they have any ideas.

I did. Couldn’t help me.

 

[Daryl]

S U C C E S S !!!! Finally got all the parts and installed the reman steering column. Buttoned everything up, reinstalled the driver seat. I must’ve done something right because steering wheel is straight, I get full turns lock-to-lock, and all the buttons, levers, cruise control stuff… ALL WORKS (first try, too!)

Can’t tell you how relieved and happy I am 1. that I was able to do it myself; and 2. that I had just tons of support and help from you guys. Absolutely could NOT have done it without you all.

Many, many thanks to everyone for the help and incredible patience with me supporting me through this++

Cheers!!