Best solution for a steering column?

[HelluvaEngineer]

My M1009 comes out of the body shop this week or next. The next thing on my punch list is the steering column. It has the following issues:

• Reverse is not engaging well. You have to put it in reverse then push down on the selector to make it grab.
• Speaking of which, the gear selector indicator needle has broken off.
• Turn signal disconnect not working
• All levers look rusty and terrible
• I want to swap out the ignition key since my understanding is they are all the same and there are a few of these things near me

I'm very open to doing it myself if I can find parts (part numbers seem to be hard to find). However, I keep getting ads for $200 steering columns from Jegs etc (probably POS made in China). Online services want $600+ to rebuild.

Any suggestions on the smartest option for accomplishing the above? I don't really care about tilt but I would consider it. Many thanks!

 

[LT67]

Your existing column can be rebuilt and the linkage can be adjusted

 

[WWRD99]

I put a tilt steering in mine that I got out of a 1992 blazer...paid 50$ for it and had the key in it ready to go...my 15 year old son swapped it out by himself...not hard at all...can get the linkage lined up right at the same time as long as the transmission is ok. I needed the tilt...the pivots can come loose in those but are simple to fix as well.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[HelluvaEngineer]

Your existing column can be rebuilt and the linkage can be adjusted

Thanks. Suggestions on finding current part numbers?

 

[LT67]

Thanks. Suggestions on finding current part numbers?

I had a local service rebuild the column in my 85 m1008 and 79 k20..

 

[Recovry4x4]

Thanks. Suggestions on finding current part numbers?

Parts TM. -20P and -34P will have plenty of GM numbers to cross-reference or search online for.

 

[HelluvaEngineer]

Much appreciated @Recovry4x4

 

[Barrman]

Swapping a better column as mentioned above is the easiest and cheapest way to get what you want. Tilt wheel looseness and wiper switch activation are the things to look out for. I think I am pretty good at working on stuff but those stupid wiper switches have always gotten the best of me. But, if you do get a column with intermittent wipers. Be sure and get the module that goes with it. Everything is plug and play thankfully.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

• I want to swap out the ignition key since my understanding is they are all the same and there are a few of these things near me

The lock is easy. Buy a set of 3 cylinders, look up a how-to on YouTube, and done. I did it on mine, and I had never touched a lock before..

I got mine here. Good service, good quality. I got mine keyed alike, so I don't have to mess with two different keys.

 

[HelluvaEngineer]

Thanks for the tips @Barrman and @MarcusOReallyus . I had no idea you can swap out intermittent wipers. You can get a new production column for $599. I think by the time I buy $200 worth of parts and crack the thing open I will wish I got a new one.

One more question - my trans doesn't want to go into reverse anymore. You have to put it in reverse and then push down on the handle to make it catch. It just started doing this. Is that more likely some kind of bushing in the connection to the transmission? I don't see anything in the diagrams that make it look like it's anything internal to the column.

 

[antennaclimber]

Can you provide a link or information on where to have a column rebuilt for $599.

 

[Barrman]

The shift linkage is just a metal rod connecting the column to the transmission. I suggest you check each end for slop and maybe adjustments.

 

[Gurney]

I had someone try to steal my CUCV. It had a tilt column in it and they shattered the column. I got a non tilt M1008 column and put it in and now the ignition actuator rod is the wrong size or length. Got a non tilt switch and it is setup to be a pull ignition and not a push like it should be. I've search all over the forums and no one else seems to have this issues. . . Everyone states that it's simple plug and play. . Why are my rods different ?

 

[WWRD99]

I had someone try to steal my CUCV. It had a tilt column in it and they shattered the column. I got a non tilt M1008 column and put it in and now the ignition actuator rod is the wrong size or length. Got a non tilt switch and it is setup to be a pull ignition and not a push like it should be. I've search all over the forums and no one else seems to have this issues. . . Everyone states that it's simple plug and play. . Why are my rods different ?

When I swapped mine out I remember that part looking wrong...just flip the switch around and it'll work...take it off the metal bracket and turn it the way it should be.

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[Gurney]

I've read that as well. I will take another crack at it tomorrow. When I do have it hooked up to the white switch and the rod connected. At full back off it's at ACC one position on the switch. I've twisted the actuator rod to work to get it there. I will have to try out this move the switch thing. I just don't see how it can hook up any other way with the brackets. And I assume everyone uses the white switch that I had with it. Since the black one is setup all wonky as a pull switch ? Or is that the one that needs to be moved around ? Thank you for the reply.

 

[cucvrus]

Check this thread out. All I will say is do NOT follow the instructions on You Tube for rebuilding a C K steering column. Pull the entire column and get it on a clean work bench. I have done it several times. Now I will remind you at first I failed but I studied hard on my own steering columns and came up with the solutions. Check out this thread. https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/cucvrus-repair-projects.192437/page-17#lg=post-2383043&slide=0
Good Luck and Happy Holidays.

 

[Gurney]

Ok. Someone needs to sticky these pics I'm going to post. I couldn't find any pics of the difference between tilt and non tilt ignition switches.

So this is a PSA for those that don't know and a whatever for reference for those that did know about it.

Merry Christmas and here you go.

White is tilt configuration

Blue is non tilt configuration.
I never understood the flip it around reference lol. Til now.

 

[WWRD99]

Ok. Someone needs to sticky these pics I'm going to post. I couldn't find any pics of the difference between tilt and non tilt ignition switches.

So this is a PSA for those that don't know and a whatever for reference for those that did know about it.

Merry Christmas and here you go.

White is tilt configuration

Blue is non tilt configuration.
I never understood the flip it around reference lol. Til now.

Yup that's it! I had both columns out when I did mine so it was right in my face and didn't know it would go on if I flipped it, tried it and it fit...kinda like a light bulb goin on...I am big on swapping out everything on a part before I install a new one so it was not that hard to see. Glad you got it figured out!! Is the park nuetral switch or reverse light switch adjusted right now too? Mine was off some so it needed adjusted.