Aftermarket steering columns?

[Wally]

Has anyone installed an aftermarket steering column? I don't remember seeing or reading an aftermarket column in a GMC. We measured 35 and 3/4" from the end of the splined shaft at the bottom to the top edge of the shift bowl.

 

[Tybalt39]

While I haven't heard of anyone buying a new 3rd party column, there are plenty out there in the hot-rod market. As long as the length matches, any GM "classic" column (before airbags) should work; the splines haven't changed in many decades. Even better if it has the wiper/cruise-control lever already installed. They're just expensive new!

 

[Bhart]

I was told that the lower section of shaft past the knuckle was unique
to the GMC Motorhome.

 

[LarryW]

I Had a column out of a 71 Eldorado that was tilt and telescoping. Took it out of a junked Eldo and hung it in the garage. I had information from some old timer GMC'r that it would bolt in. About 5 yrs ago I decided to do the swap and it was gone from the nail it was hanging on. Don't know where it went.

 

[Tybalt39]

I was told that the lower section of shaft past the knuckle was unique
to the GMC Motorhome.

To verify, by "knuckle" are you referring to the U-joint above the mid-shaft/lower-shaft (that sliding part with the Teflon coating)? It would make sense that everything is "standard" before that point, but unique from that joint to the steering box. But, I haven't done a column replacement (yet; it's on my list).

 

[Bhart]

To verify, by "knuckle" are you referring to the U-joint above the mid-shaft/lower-shaft (that sliding part with the Teflon coating)? It would make sense that everything is "standard" before that point, but unique from that joint to the steering box. But, I haven't done a column replacement (yet; it's on my list).

View attachment 16705View attachment 16706
View attachment 16707

Steering column shaft after the plastic knuckle.

 

[Tom Katzenberger]

Wally years ago I sent an old Jeep column out to a professional rebuilder. They replaced all the wear parts and painted the column. As I remember it was a beautiful job and worked extremely well. Don't overlook a rebuilder if the price is right.

You take care and look forward to seeing you again,

Tom K.

 

[Hal]

I installed a column from a 92-93 Chevy 1/2 ton (pre airbag) in our 1977. The column is 3+ inches longer than stock. I pretty much split the extra length above and below the floor, but it required using a pair of u-joints as well as a support bearing for the Borgeson joints to get proper alignment with the steering box. I used the stalk controls on the new column for wipers, dimmer switch and cruise control. My 6.5TD/ 4l80e swap is all electronic so the cruise switch worked perfectly but would require a couple of relays if the OEM style cruise were employed. The shifter linkage would also require a bit of modification on a stock coach as well.

 

[Tybalt39]

I installed a column from a 92-93 Chevy 1/2 ton (pre airbag) in our 1977. The column is 3+ inches longer than stock. I pretty much split the extra length above and below the floor, but it required using a pair of u-joints as well as a support bearing for the Borgeson joints to get proper alignment with the steering box. I used the stalk controls on the new column for wipers, dimmer switch and cruise control. My 6.5TD/ 4l80e swap is all electronic so the cruise switch worked perfectly but would require a couple of relays if the OEM style cruise were employed. The shifter linkage would also require a bit of modification on a stock coach as well.

I have a co-worker who is a welder. He's also a hot-rodder/modifier. He indicated to me that people regularly install columns with different lengths. They simply cut/extend sections to match as needed; welding.

 

[Blue]

I recently saw a YouTube video where a GMC Motorhome owner provided only the steering column's specifications (dimensions and teeth), and a company completely rebuilt it for him. The company's contact information was mentioned in the video. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to find it quickly.

 

[GMC Cruse]

I have a co-worker who is a welder. He's also a hot-rodder/modifier. He indicated to me that people regularly install columns with different lengths. They simply cut/extend sections to match as needed; welding.

Yes, I have done that with a couple of my hot rods.

 

[tmsnyder]

I recently saw a YouTube video where a GMC Motorhome owner provided only the steering column's specifications (dimensions and teeth), and a company completely rebuilt it for him. The company's contact information was mentioned in the video. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to find it quickly.

Flaming River perhaps

 

[GMC Cruse]

Flaming River perhaps

Or Ididit maybe.

 

[Blue]

Flaming River perhaps

Maybe. I didnt find it again.

 

[Hal]

I have a co-worker who is a welder. He's also a hot-rodder/modifier. He indicated to me that people regularly install columns with different lengths. They simply cut/extend sections to match as needed; welding.

I chose to leave the column as is on our GMC. I have modified a later model column for use in my currant project, a 1975 FMC. I incorporated all of the steering wheel controls for the Duramax/Allison swap. I had to shorten as well as modify the lower end to mate with the existing gear box as well as adapt the shift linkage used by the Allison. The GMC was WAY easier to modify.