F150/BB tilt steering column questions

[mattt]

I recently installed a "Junkyard Brand" tilt column out of a 78-79 F series or Big Bronco. Two things I'd like to take care of.......

The lower bearing(at the bottom end of the column) does not want to stay in place. I've seen the site with the new replacement steel bearing already. However, is there a way to get the stock plastic bearing to stay in place? It slips out very easily.

Second.....I'd like to use the hazard warning switch on this column and eliminate the dash mounted one in the future. How is the wiring handled to use the column mounted hazard switch? I read one post where someone figured it out, but there were no specifics. Looking over the wiring, I can see the key to getting this working is the white w/red dash wire which I think powers that circuit. I've tried a few different ways of hooking it up, but no success yet. Thanks in advance.

The self cancelling feature on this column is great. My stock 69 column never cancelled and I was quite often that guy in the old truck with the blinker still on 5 miles later. I think the tilt feature on mine might need some attention as a few times when getting in the bronco my leg bumped the bottom of the steering wheel and it tilted up from bumping it.

 

[mattt]

move it up

What holds the plastic lower bearing in the end of the tube?

 

[SteveL]

BC had this swap in their tech section. You may want to check there for some info.

 

[OX1]

Are the tabs on the plastic bearing housing broke. If so, it's not going to stay in.
if they are not broke, then you could squeeze the tube slightly where the tabs mate up. Even then, it will probably still be loose, that bearing design was crappy when it was new.

 

[mattt]

Are you talking about the 3 tabs that are equally spaced around the tube? They seem to still be intact, but they don't really snap into the 3 holes in the column tube. I'm wondering if a set screw of some sort would work???

 

[OX1]

Are you talking about the 3 tabs that are equally spaced around the tube? They seem to still be intact, but they don't really snap into the 3 holes in the column tube. I'm wondering if a set screw of some sort would work???

3?, I thought I remebered 2, but yes you might be able to bend the tube in slightly just in those spots. I'd seriously consider a real bearing. I did it about 15 years ago, on my first bronc (a 78) and it makes a huge difference in steering feel/play over the shot plastic one (which I don't think even new fit all that well in the end of the tube)

 

[mattt]

Still hoping to find out how to wire in the hazard warning switch on the column so I can eliminate the dash mounted one. Anyone?