Cut firewall for steering column change?

I am changing the column in my '74 from the Intermediate style to the GM column along with a 76+ dash and 76+ pedal assembly.

When I was fitting the column it looks like I'll have to trim the firewall by elongating upward the current hole for the column. The pedals and dash were also in place at the time.

Is that consistent with others that have done this change? Just need to know before I start cutting (the old measure twice, cut once adage).

 

I didn't cut my firewall when I put in the caddy column. I did have to cut down the length of the column.

 

Looks like you might have different pedals though...Cherokee? Did you change the pedal assembly that bolts to the firewall too?

 

Yes I used Cherokee pedals I used part of the original mount and part of the Cherokee mount. A little cutting and welding and it's been working fine for several years now. I also had to heat and bend the pedals to clear the steering column.

 

I still want to know if its normal to have to cut the firewall when using 76+ complete pedal swap from a CJ plus the 76+ dash from a CJ when installing the GM column.

 

I'm reviving my old thread...now with pictures!...because I don't feel like I got a satisfactory answer. I was fitting the pedals again today and took some pics of my problem.

I need to know if the mount hardware under the dash is correct for the 76+ CJ pedals...and if anyone has had to cut the firewall in order to get the angle of the column correct.


The angle appears to be wrong when I loosely fit the dash cover on...


Here it is at the firewall from the engine side...

 

I expect nobody that's done this exact change is following your thread.

But I would say that just about everything changes for the '76 model. I don't think there's any reason to believe that the '76 or later column would be a bolt-in for the earlier models. Likely the angle of the two columns really is different between the two models - different because of different penetration locations in the floor. The floors and firewall are different between the two models.

Maybe someone with an inclinometer and a '76 or newer Jeep can measure the angle of the column tube in a '76 or newer. The diameter of the wheel is smaller, and the seat mounting is different (lower? further back?), so the tube inclination could be different and still be comfortably positioned.

 

Thanks Tim, those are good suggestions. I thought this would have been a common change to the Intermediate steering.

Anyone with a 76+ that could help me out with an angle measurement...and maybe confirming that I've actually bolted the braces together correctly ala the pics above?

 

I put 76 up pedals and a gm tilt column in my early and I did have to cut the firewall some to clear. Not sure if an intermediate would be the same or not

 

Probably closer than a 76+ would be.

Can you tell if I have the braces bolted up correctly in the pic above?

 

Glad I could (maybe) help.

I don't recall hearing of anyone making this change. With an intermediate, you already get the Saginaw setup and swinging pedals, so I'd think the only reason you'd change over is to get a GM column with a smaller wheel and locking column...

The intermediate column has its problems: many people find the seating position too close and the turn signal system is rudimentary at best. But the GM column has issues too - they wear out, and the mechanism can be troublesome.

I'd think the two main motivations would be first, either you have an early Jeep with Ross steering, and you can do a column swap along with the steering conversion, or second, that you want a tilt column. I believe the tilt columns for late CJs are fairly scarce in the parts market, so a GM column from another vehicle may be the way to go in that situation.

 

This one is out of a 79 CJ5...tilt. I got a good deal and thought why not. I already rebuilt the column to fix common issues and replace bearings etc. Should be good to go for another 30 years...assuming I can actually install the thing.

 

Iirc the later cj's had the column up higher. I know the opening in the dash is larger and higher. Yes, you will need to cut the dash. Mounting to the pedals for the larger column may need some creativity as well
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It's already the 76+ dash, and pedals. I'm thinking the firewall will need to be cut a little bit higher to make the angle correct.

But again...I'm not 100% sure that the braces are bolted together correctly...that could make a difference, albeit a small one.

 

Do you recall about how much you had to trim?

I'd love to see some pics if you have any. Thanks.

 

Nwedgar
Here's a picture of the firewall hole for the column in my 78. I think the Saginaw columns have less of an angle to them than the bus wheel column. If you need any specific measurements let me know and I will try to take them tomorrow.

 

Thanks for that. I'd be interested to know the measurement from the bottom of the brake master cylinder hole to the top of the steering column hole, and then the height of the steering column hole. I think that would give me a good idea of what I need to do.

 

Sorry I was out of town for the weekend...I skipped that thin stamped 90 degree bracket you are using and fabbed my own. Basically I just put things where I was comfortable and made the pedals and column fit me. I can get pics but it will be later in the week

 

That's okay...I think I'll be okay with the measurements from Atroesch.

I figured that I'd have to fab something.

 

Nwedgar
From the bottom of the brake master cylinder hole to the top of the steering column hole it is about 2 1/2 inches. From the top to the bottom of the steering column hole it is about 4 3/4 inches.