Steering column compatability- Solved!

[splatterdog]

Got a steering column u-joint(rack end) out of an 86 for my 84. Guess what? The two years are different. 84 has the lower shaft with u-joint welded on, 86 lower shaft is part of column and joint is pinch bolted on both sides. Anyhow- would an 86 column slide in place of the 84 connectors and all? I just went thru the effort of boiling the new joint in a grease/oil mixture to ensure longevity and the 86 column is sitting on the front seat waiting for me at the yard if need be.

Thanks!

[Gasoline Fumes]

I don't know if this helps, but the manual and power racks use different columns.

[takza]

I replaced the u-joint in my '83 manual steering car with one from a later (I think) part from a power steering car. Both pinch bolted.

I have another joint from an '84 parts car that is pinch bolted.

Far as I know the joints in a PS car are less likely to fail due to the lower load on them.

I'd think if the length was the same and the splines were also...the whole column would interchange.

[splatterdog]

Well the 86 column fit like a glove. The 84 and 86 lower shafts were completely different so I ended up getting the rest of the column after thoroughly reviewing connectors/wire colors. Luckily I have a "new" 86 for comparison(wish I would have looked closer before having to buy the column in two pieces). The only difference I found on the passenger side of the firewall was the 84 column had 2 power feeds for the wipers, one just for intermittent. The 86 did not need the second feed and has no pin for it either in the connector so it was plug and go, everything works,the steering is tight and I have tilt now too!

So it looks like besides manual or p/s they are compatable across the years. The only mod would be putting an older column in a newer car. Power would have to be jumped to the intermittent wiper circuit at the connector.