4x4 steering column

[papabug71]

Im needing a P/S 4spd. column. I have 2, but they are both in dentside 4x4's. What was the deal with the 4x4 steering columns? I remember something about them being different. I never paid attention to them & I must have robbed the trucks for parts a dozen times each.

[fordman]

the 4wd column dont have the flange at the bottom of them. they just have splines on the end of the column. i just picked one up from the junk today. it needs rebuilt. it is a auto column.

[papabug71]

Craig, by the flange are you talking about the one on the shaft, or the coulmn its self ? I mean, do they have the bearing at the bottom just like a 2wd column?

I have a couple of P/S shafts in the shop I could swap in place of the 4x4 shaft if need be.

[FORDification]

2WD steering columns hook directly to the steering box via the rag joint, and the end of the column shaft has a flange that mates to the rag joint. 4WD columns don't mate to a rag joint, so they have no flange on the end of the shaft. They're splined to accept a U-joint coupler.

[papabug71]

Now I remember. So I can just swap a 2wd P/S shaft in & be done with it ??

[FORDification]

Yes. To use a 4WD steering column in a 2WD, you simply need to replace the column shaft with one from a 2WD.

[papabug71]

Thanks Keith !

[fordman]

heres a pic of the 79 4wd column and bushing at the end of it.

[papabug71]

Thanks for the pic. Im going to pull one of the columns tomm. after thanksgiving.