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tilt steering conversion

2482 Views 26 Replies 3 Participants Last post by H8monday, Apr 10, 2000

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Discussion Starter · Apr 6, 2000

I have a 1978 CJ-5 that I am converting to tilt steering. I picked up a steering column from a 1980 Monza that I was told would work. Everything is perfect except that the rod coming out the bottom of the steering column on the Monza column is smaller than that on the Jeep. The jeep steering shaft has a u-joint to alow flex while that of the monza has a rubber gasket that allows some flex but not as much as the jeep. Has anyone delt with this or know how to proceed?
Thanks,
Bill

/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif78 CJ-5 all fiberglass, chev.383, TH350

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Discussion Starter · #2 · Apr 6, 2000

Bill, let's see if Snowtow repsonds. He's suggested the Monza column to me. I'm also interested in your results since I'm hoping to do this mod myself.

BTW-- If anyone has access to a decent used 80 or so Monza column, price it for me with shipping. Can't find one in my area at all!!!

Carl, Tampa, FL, 74 CJ-5
If a Jeep can't take you there, Think twice about going..

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Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 6, 2000

So is the rubber gasket that you describe a round disc looking thing that's made out of material similar to a v-belt? If so, it has what is called a rag joint. The Monza column that I pulled has the bell type coupler on the end that is exactly like the one that Jeep used. I just removed the old column where it attached to the input shaft on the steering box and the new one slid right onto the splines once I drilled out the plugs for collapsing the column. I'm not sure what to tell you on how to deal with a rag joint. Maybe a call to Borgeson would help. There's also a company called Snake River "something" that makes the columns for Centech and they might be able to help. Hopefully someone else can remember what the "something" is and have a number or a website.

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Discussion Starter · #4 · Apr 6, 2000

Skip, what year Monza did you take that column out of?

Carl, Tampa, FL, 74 CJ-5
If a Jeep can't take you there, Think twice about going..

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Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 6, 2000

You will save time and money by purchasing an after market CJ tilt. I have tried to put in wagoneer tilts before, which are the closest match to the original column, and finally succomed and bought a tilt from Snake River. They build the columns for Centech wire and their phone number is. (208) 652-7527).
Mizu

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Discussion Starter · #6 · Apr 6, 2000

It came out of an 80 with the Iron Duke four-cylinder and an automatic transmission. I didn't know it would work when I bought it, but it was the only tilt column in the junkyard that didn't have the shifter on the column. Luckily the Monza auto uses a floor shifter. I figured I would chance it as they were running a special - any column for $7.00.

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Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 6, 2000

I brought the monza column back and got one from a 1974 Pontiac Grand Prix that I think will work good. It has the correct diameter end, the correct wiring harness and is about a 1/2 inch longer than the stock Jeep column. I havent't put it in yet but I will do a write up with my results and pictures when I'm done if anyone is interested in this option.
Thanks for all the comments,
Bill

PS if anyone else is going the Monza route be sure you check the end, apparently they do vary...I saw another one today at a diferent yard with the small diameter end. For the Jeep conversion you need the 1" diameter end.

/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif78 CJ-5 all fiberglass, chev.383, TH350

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Discussion Starter · #8 · Apr 6, 2000

Bill, keep us posted. Also, I should have pics of my current column setup on Monday. This would include the fabricated dash mount that some soul made for the conversion.

Carl, Tampa, FL, 74 CJ-5
If a Jeep can't take you there, Think twice about going..

338

· #9 · Apr 6, 2000

Does Snake River make a tilt column for a YJ? How much are they? I have been thinking about installing a tilt column for a while. The stock set up doesnt allow a whole lotta room between the stock wheel and the seat.
Jeff
89 Wrangler

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Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 6, 2000

That company split up. The phone number listed is for older military Jeep parts (power steering conversions, etc). The number you want for the tilt columns is (208)458-4935. The guy I talked to was Shane and he said that this column runs ~ $209 complete w/bracket. He said that you could install this tilt column in about an hour. My '56 has already been converted to a shorter GM column (no idea what from-> previous owner), but it's not a tilt (s#$t)! He said that he could still get me tilt that would work. Hope this helps!

'56 CJ-5, 283, t-90/d18, 27/44, 2.5"(soon), 33's(soon), cage.

338

· #11 · Apr 6, 2000

Thanks,
After entering the post, I started thinking, what are these guys my secretary? I was already given the ph number. So I made a call and got the recording for the new ph number. The guy I talked to mentioned the price was $209 but wasnt sure if they had one for a YJ, and suggested I call back in the morning.
Thanks for the info.
Jeff
89 Wrangler

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Discussion Starter · #12 · Apr 7, 2000

I would suggest that you simply keep looking for an original CJ Tilt Column. Although they are rare, THEY ARE OUT THERE. I just got one for my rig in Awesome shape. The guy i got it from traded me even for an old Dana30 i had laying around that i was going to toss out. Now That is a deal and well worth the patience.

my .02

Kevin
New England 4x4 Club
http://206.190.221.134/cj7.htm
79 Jeep CJ7

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Discussion Starter · #13 · Apr 7, 2000

The guy at Snake River told me that they have no stock. They rebuild columns to order. Call him up, tell him your vehicle and how long you want the column to be and they'll put it together for you.

Works for me. CJ parts are non existant down here..

Carl, Tampa, FL, 74 CJ-5
If a Jeep can't take you there, Think twice about going..

251

· #14 · Apr 7, 2000

I cant beleive they get over $200 for a tilt column either, I pulled one from a XJ, the shaft splines dont match, but its nothing some tubing and a welder cant fix, for a wopping $25

OzarkJeep
77 CJ5, in a bunch of pieces right now

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Discussion Starter · #15 · Apr 7, 2000

Would you trust a home built column out on the trail?
I have the Snake River column and it is top notch quality work and all new parts. I also had them install a dimmer switch on the column for the hell of it.
They will do what ever you want.
Mizu

"Some place where the beer flows like wine.....a little place called.....Aspin"

251

· #16 · Apr 8, 2000

yeah buddy Ill trust my own handy work!!

I didnt mean to say that snakle River isnt nice stuff ( In fact, I didnt say that at all)

but when you look at those cheesy ass factory welds and crimps, i dont feel bad at all about a shaft I Tig welded, and sleeved.

OzarkJeep
77 CJ5, in a bunch of pieces right now

jeepgod

· #17 · Apr 9, 2000

you got it ozark.. i dont trust much outside of my work!!! you said you got one from a xj? mm... was going to try and find one from a wagoneer.. since they have the same steering box.. and if i can get an old 70's one... they have the cool steering wheel.. go AMC!!!

survival is instinct, but living takes guts

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· #18 · Apr 9, 2000

I had a tilt column for a full sized Cherokee ( same column as a wagoneer) its about 2 inches too long, but workable, its hard to find one without a shift lever on it though.

the XJ column I got , is mid 80s, and it is within an inch of the stock non tilt CJ column, it has cruise, wiper delay and bright on teh column, and NO SHIFTER..and other than the splined end of the shaft its a bolt in, and the connectors are the same too, except of course for the cruise,wiper delay, and dimmer switch...

OzarkJeep
77 CJ5, in a bunch of pieces right now

338

· #19 · Apr 9, 2000

I was also thinking about getting a colum with cruise control built right in. Id like to use the wires and switchs and run my ARB to it, that way I could have the on/off right at my finger tips.
Jeff
89 Wrangler

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Discussion Starter · #20 · Apr 9, 2000

Hey relax!
I trust my own "handy work" too. In fact I have built everything on my jeep from the transmission to the differentials and fuel injection etc.
But there comes a point when you must ask yourself....Self...can I place my steering column welding skills side by side with someone who welds steering columns day in and day out?
Do I have the right equipment? Maybe?
Cutting and welding a steering column is much like cutting and welding an axle, can you do it properly? Maybe?
Ask yourself, what if I cut the shaft a little to long and the housing a little too short? Will the bearing wear out prematurely?
What if the weld was too hot or too cold and it breaks at highway speed?
My point is this, some things such as crucial safety points on a vehicle, might be better left to an "expert"
In my opinion, a general mechanic who is working in a garage with a tig/mig and some hand tools may not be able to properly measure, cut, align, and weld a steering column or axle for that matter.
All of us jeepers out there are always looking for an easier and affordable ways to enhance our jeeps and this is good, but don't cut corners with steering or other crucial safety points of your jeep.
As far as I know, the only steering column out there that will somewhat fit properly into a CJ or YJ jeep is a Wagoneer or Cherokee column and they still require modifications. They are basically GM columns with jeep dimensions for the end spline and shaft length. The Wagoneer columns are too long and still require cutting the shaft and housing. Everything from the dash bracket to the wheel will have the proper dimensions.
I am not trying to bash anyone! I am simply pointing out the safety aspect of this subject.

Mizu

"Some place where the beer flows like wine.....a little place called.....Aspin"

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