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If you have done an aftermarket column swap...

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by jeepfreak81, Jan 13, 2009.

  1. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    Have you regretted it? I really like the look and feel of my big bus steering wheel, however I just got a 30% off gift certificate for an ididit column. I would really like to make the feel of my steering even tighter, and maybe keep it off the brake pedal with the saggy swap I have.

    Can I mount my big old bus wheel on an aftermarket column?
     
  2. grannyscj

    grannyscj Headed to the Yukon

    I think you could but it would take some fabrication. I converted my original column and love it. It was a very easy conversion. If you're interested I can provide you w/ pics and a drawing of how I did it.:v6:
     
  3. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    My existing column has already been converted, however due to the particular steering shaft I used it rubs the brake pedal. Looking more to if I would gain anything from an aftermarket column.
     
  4. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    A postal column is bolt-in and allows you to keep the bus wheel. You can order up some small diameter sprint-car u-jounts and a section of steering shaft stock and fab up your own shaft that won't bind for significantly less than the aftermarket column.

    One thing I didn't like about any later OEM or aftermarket column is the reduction in knee room in the already cramped flatty cockpit. Every early Jeep I've climbed into with a fat column, I banged my knees on it getting in & out.
     
  5. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Personally - I love the tilt that I got with mine. I also have PRP suspension seats as mine was designed with keeping you in rather than a quick escape :)
     
  6. Chris Insull

    Chris Insull All roads lead me back to the beach... 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I used an Ididit tilt column back in '98 and have never once regretted it! Clean install, quality unit... However, had I used the original wheel vice the Grant GT; in the "up" position the wheel would have hit the window; fully down would be impossible...
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2009
  7. kaiser krawler

    kaiser krawler kaiser krawler

    i've been happy with my ididit column, i used a muffler clamp to attach to the dash,as the ididit was'nt that much bigger than my stock column. i used their floor bracket at the bottom. i also used borgenson parts from the column to the box, they have whatever you would need in the way of shaft parts.
     
  8. windyhill

    windyhill Sponsor

    I love my stock column, Just doesn't feel like a Jeep to me without the buss wheel.
     
  9. grannyscj

    grannyscj Headed to the Yukon

    I'm not sure of the spline count, but Speedway has a new column in black steel for about $90. That beats all of the aftermarket columns in price (even w/ a 30% cut). They also carry all the extra things you need to put it all together at less than the cost of materials and machining. After doing mine I found I should of just bought from them, virtually no savings building from scratch. A call to them will answer the question about shaft size and spline count, might get lucky. Either way they may help in fixing your issues.:v6:
    http://www.speedwaymotors.com/STEEL-STEERING-COLUMN,9145.html
     
  10. bkap

    bkap Gone, but not long gone.

    I like the aftermarket tilt I put in, although I don't really gain that much either way on the tilt part. :) Next time I'd probably get the headlight dimmer on the turn signal. Either that or just use an old GM column that already had it.
     
  11. scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

    I like my GM tilt column. Having the key, turn signals, high beam switch and hazard lights on the column is a plus. That and power steering. Makes it much easier to drive out on the trail. Also if it's installed right. Then you won't have knee clearance problems.
     
  12. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    Already have power steering with my Factory column... basically all this would gain me is it not rubbing the danged brake pedal and catching once in awhile (can be major)
     
  13. w3srl

    w3srl All-around swell dude Staff Member

    Can you show us a pic of the "rubbing" issue?
     
  14. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    [​IMG]

    The u-joint itself catches the brake pedal when the brakes are applied.

    I need a smaller u-joint, but unfortunately to get this one off I will ruin my column. I guess I need a postal column and new shaft with a smaller u-joint.

    I have a 30% off coupon for an ididit column I can pass onto someone if they want to go that route I guess. I really like the bus wheel
     
  15. motovate

    motovate New Member

    Any Idea what length column is needed for a 1968 CJ5 with a 1975 Body.

    I just picked up a decient 68/75 but the steering column is a Caddy tilt and I'm just too big to drive it as is. Also have seat issues hitting the fender so I can't go back far enough - non stock seats.

    I'm wondering if it might just be easier to switch out the steering column first.

    Any Ida what the stock column measures???

    Thanks.

    LBM:rofl:
     
  16. 57cj5

    57cj5 Member

    I have a 57 cj5 and I a also going to relpace my column with an aftermarket one. I was going to use ididit but I will also have to check into speedway. I did the power steeing conversion. I am going to put my ignition on the dash. I should be ordering a column within the next 1-2 weeks. Where did you get the gift certificate? Any money off is a good thing.
    Paul
     
  17. mike starck

    mike starck Member

    I bought a 30 inch column from QuatraTec.seems to be about right.pics in my gallery
     
  18. motovate

    motovate New Member

    Thanks

    LBM:)
     
  19. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    Won it at a wheeling trip.

    I think I figured out how to fix it without changing much of anything, just loosen/replace 3 bolts and insert a shim. I just need to do it now.