IDIDIT direct replacement column question

[thegreatjustino]

For those of you who've installed one of the IDIDIT direct replacement columns, did you leave out the spring that goes over the steering shaft before installing the steering wheel?

Neither Wild Horses or IDIDIT could tell me for certain if this spring is left off. They both felt that was most likely the case, but couldn't confirm for 100% certainty.

 

[DirtDonk]

I don't know for sure either, but want to follow along.
I seem to remember several people mentioning that their later model Broncos (like '75-ish and beyond) did not have the spring even from the factory. Which would lead me to believe that you can leave it off of the Ididit column too.

Which year Bronco are you installing it in?

Paul

 

[thegreatjustino]

This is installed in a '74 - the Hot Rod that Russel built from parts of various vehicles.

The steering shaft in the IDIDIT has a small collar (approximately 1/32") that prevents the spring from sliding down any further, and in turn would prevent the steering wheel from snugging down any further regardless of how much you torqued the nut.

Because of this collar, both WH and IDIDIT tech support felt the steering shaft was engineered differently than stock to do away with the need for the spring.

Makes sense, but it would be nice to know for sure.

 

[Jebus]

I did the IDIDIT and the spring was in the way too.
IIRC the OEM columns had a tapered, split, tolerance bushing that the spring and steering wheel held down in place...

 

[Slednut10]

Did not use it on mine.

 

[thegreatjustino]

I did the IDIDIT and the spring was in the way too.
IIRC the OEM columns had a tapered, split, tolerance bushing that the spring and steering wheel held down in place...

Yes, the split steel bushing. That for sure is not used with the IDIDIT. That piece not being used lends further proof to the spring not being used either.

 

[ngsd]

My spring is in a box somewhere