Rebuild auto steering column or replace with Ididit column

[Audifan]

My bronco has a C6 Automatic and the PO of my bronco added a Lokar floor shifter and took the shifter out of the column.

I don't really care for the floor shifter or the fact that I have to lean way over to reach it...or the fact that it prevents me from doing a custom console or tunnel cover.

So, I'm contemplating ditching the floor shifter and moving it back to the column.

Being new to broncos and having never messed with any kind of steering column or linkage I have a question or two...

1. is there a reason or potential reason I should be aware of/investigate as to why I should not remove the floor shifter?

2. In terms of rebuilding the existing column is it worth it cost wise, or should I look at just replacing it with a new Ididit style column?

 

[Bferrari]

I did the flaming river column with the lokar linkage and am very happy with it. I wanted tilt so using my factory column wasn’t an option.

 

[Audifan]

Tilt is on my list. Was just reading about the flaming river column. Looks very nice.

I have a flaming river steering shaft as well, quality is great. had no idea they did columns

 

[DirtDonk]

Your Bronco is a '69, correct? If so the stock column won't do you any good because it's for a manual transmission.
It looks like one too, so I don't think anyone swapped in an automatic column. They just went straight to the floor shifter to save themselves some trouble and expense. And if it was many years ago, there probably were no viable (easy) column options anyway.

So rebuilding your existing one is off the table for now I would think. By the time you figured out how to convert it to auto from a '73 or later model, or found all the parts needed, you'd have been money and time ahead by purchasing either a new column, or finding a good used stock '73 or later version.

You might check the classifieds here to see if anyone is selling their old one after installing a tilt.
And speaking of that, if getting the tilt feature is high on your list anyway, well there ya go.

Paul

 

[Audifan]

Your Bronco is a '69, correct? If so the stock column won't do you any good because it's for a manual transmission.
It looks like one too, so I don't think anyone swapped in an automatic column. They just went straight to the floor shifter to save themselves some trouble and expense. And if it was many years ago, there probably were no viable (easy) column options anyway.

So rebuilding your existing one is off the table for now I would think. By the time you figured out how to convert it to auto from a '73 or later model, or found all the parts needed, you'd have been money and time ahead by purchasing either a new column, or finding a good used stock '73 or later version.

You might check the classifieds here to see if anyone is selling their old one after installing a tilt.
And speaking of that, if getting the tilt feature is high on your list anyway, well there ya go.

Paul

THANK YOU PAUL! Yes, my bronco is a 69.
This is exactly what I needed to hear and had no idea about.

So looks like I have to decide between a flaming river and one of the GM style tilt ones Ididit makes for you guys.

 

[DirtDonk]

They're both good quality units. But you've got it backwards I think, as the generic columns (from all column companies it seems) use GM parts and designs, whereas our Direct-Fit version from Ididit uses Bronco-specific bits throughout.

Kind of why I like it, even at a slightly higher price.
Comes ready to bolt on, with all the proper bracketry and dimensions. Replacement parts are Bronco too, with the turn signal switch and steering wheel designs.
If you get any other type, you need a GM steering wheel adapter and will need GM parts to replace worn out stuff.
Also, though this is not a flaw by any means, the lower end where the upper shaft u-joint or rag joint would fit, is the Ford and very common 3/4" x 36spline shaft interface. The GM based columns use the 1" DD (double-D) fitment.
So the DD is a good design, it just means you might have to buy a new joint if your lower shaft is already set up.

If it's still got the original 1-piece shaft between the firewall and the steering box, then you need to buy the new upper joint anyway, as you'll be needing the 2-piece collapsible shaft (a good thing!) and two joints anyway.
No difference in cost for the lower then, just the main column itself, depending on options.

If you do look at the Direct-Fit series for information, ignore the fact that it is specified for '74-'77 Broncos only. The only reason that is necessary is that, wiring-wise, the '74 and later Broncos use a horn relay and negative grounding horn button, along with the hazard flasher switch on the side of the column.
Your earlier model takes 12v positive up through one wire, to the button and down the other wire directly to the horn.
Anyone that owns an older Bronco should be upgrading to a horn relay anyway. Physically the columns fit all year Broncos. Might be some oddities of an early '66 of course, as we run into that kind of stuff to this day. But otherwise it actually is a "direct-fit" part.
The only downside to any column (not just the direct-fit) is that they don't have a lighted shift indicator like the factory did. Big oversight in my opinion and I've been meaning to call them to ask about it.
I don't think any aftermarket column is lighted though, so it's not an "exclusive feature" by any means.%)
But it would be nice...

Good luck.

Paul

 

[Audifan]

Hey Paul, thanks for the detailed reply and I guess I am more confused now.

The tilt column on your site I'm looking at that is made by Ididit for WH specifically says it is a GM style.

Picture below and link is:
https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Black_Tilt_Column_Column_Shift/Bronco_Tilt_Columns

So am I looking at the wrong column or am I misreading/misunderstanding?

 

[PeteK70]

Paul, can you use a 66-73 steering wheel with the direct fit column?

 

[DirtDonk]

Paul, can you use a 66-73 steering wheel with the direct fit column?

Sorry Pete. No you can't.
It's not that it won't fit, because it has the correct size "bell" section and the proper splines and shaft size. What makes it incompatible is the turn signal switch from the '74 through '77.
More specifically the horn contacts are different.

Your early one has two horn contacts, so the wheel has two copper traces where they ride. The later model has only one, so while the wheel will bolt up, the horn won't work and eventually (not that far down the road in fact) the wheel will likely bugger up the switch's contact pretty good.

But see my response to Audifan about the one he was actually talking about. In that case it would still fit your truck, but you'd still have to source a different steering wheel.
So no real advantage over the Direct-Fit model, but still an advantage over a generic 2" diameter column.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Hey Paul, thanks for the detailed reply and I guess I am more confused now.
The tilt column on your site I'm looking at that is made by Ididit for WH specifically says it is a GM style.

So am I looking at the wrong column or am I misreading/misunderstanding?

Oops! Sorry about that. When I think of our specific Ididit columns I still think of the Direct Fit version automatically.
While the one you linked to is no longer a "new" part, it's still relatively recent on the scene.

The key's are we're having them made with the bracket to mount under the dash and even better, the size of the column housing being 2.25" diameter. Just like stock Bronco, rather than the traditional generic size of 2" you find most often.
So yes, it's a legitimate time/cost saver vs the other columns.

Totally slipped my mind.

The only things to note then, when deciding, are whether getting a GM steering wheel and DD upper joint are positives or negatives with regard to your particular installation.
Since in this case of swapping into an earlier model Bronco you'd have to get a steering wheel and possibly a new shaft anyway, this is not really a negative.

Sorry I misunderstood which one you were referring to. I've been tuned-in to the Direct Fit model for so long now, it's practically the only one I think of.

Paul

 

[WILDHORSES]

I'll add .02
I see a Grant or Grant style steering wheel in the first pic. Don't forget to get a Grant steering wheel adapter for whatever column you decide on. Unless you plan to change the wheel at the same time.

WH has in stock (most of the time)

Flaming River GM based columns
IDIDIT GM based columns and
IDIDIT Direct fit Ford based (74-77) columns

Jim

 

[rguest3]

If it's location of the floor shifter itself, can it be moved back? Some shifters are cable driven so moving it back is not an issue. If the shifter is connected to the Transmission via Rod then it may be harder to move and adjust the rod?

The Ididit Direct Fit Column is very nice and very straight forward install if you do chose that rout.

 

[Audifan]

Oops! Sorry about that. When I think of our specific Ididit columns I still think of the Direct Fit version automatically.
While the one you linked to is no longer a "new" part, it's still relatively recent on the scene.

The key's are we're having them made with the bracket to mount under the dash and even better, the size of the column housing being 2.25" diameter. Just like stock Bronco, rather than the traditional generic size of 2" you find most often.
So yes, it's a legitimate time/cost saver vs the other columns.

Totally slipped my mind.

The only things to note then, when deciding, are whether getting a GM steering wheel and DD upper joint are positives or negatives with regard to your particular installation.
Since in this case of swapping into an earlier model Bronco you'd have to get a steering wheel and possibly a new shaft anyway, this is not really a negative.

Sorry I misunderstood which one you were referring to. I've been tuned-in to the Direct Fit model for so long now, it's practically the only one I think of.

Paul

Perfect. Thanks for the clarification. I see the direct fit ones now and thats quite a package. I like it.

When you say it bolts under the dash...I'm assuming you mean it still goes through the cutout in the dash and then bolts on before passing through the firewall? (rather than actually bolting under the bottom edge of the dash)

I'll add .02
I see a Grant or Grant style steering wheel in the first pic. Don't forget to get a Grant steering wheel adapter for whatever column you decide on. Unless you plan to change the wheel at the same time.

WH has in stock (most of the time)

Flaming River GM based columns
IDIDIT GM based columns and
IDIDIT Direct fit Ford based (74-77) columns

Jim

Hey Jim, Yes, it's a Grant wheel, but I'm not in love with it, but my father and law is and wants it for his bronco, so 99.9% chance I'll be going with a new wheel.

If it's location of the floor shifter itself, can it be moved back? Some shifters are cable driven so moving it back is not an issue. If the shifter is connected to the Transmission via Rod then it may be harder to move and adjust the rod?

The Ididit Direct Fit Column is very nice and very straight forward install if you do chose that rout.

Moving it back on the floor might be an option, but from what I can see that would mean cutting a bigger/new hole and patching the old which doesn't sound great.

 

[DirtDonk]

...When you say it bolts under the dash...I'm assuming you mean it still goes through the cutout in the dash and then bolts on before passing through the firewall? (rather than actually bolting under the bottom edge of the dash)

Yes, correct. Just meant that it bolts to the stock locations.
Fits through the hole in the dash and, under the cowl where the stock one is bolted, the new column already has the bracket included.
Generally speaking, generic columns need a "mounting kit" or something to clamp around the column body that will (hopefully) bolt to existing holes, or holes you make. When you can find a Bronco-specific mounting kit to work, that's a bonus.
Even transferring a junkyard Ford truck column is problematic in this regard, as the factory bracket on those does not usually match the Bronco.

I'm speaking of the small cross-bar thingy attached to the column in the picture. Bolts right to the Bronco's existing holes.
The 2.25" diameter also lets you use the stock size rubber seal and triangle clamp at the firewall. Here again, generic 2" columns need a special boot/seal (which is now available) and some creative mounting strategies to make it all a clean install. Not a problem with these.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Regarding shifting the automatic trans, in theory that should not be a problem from the new column's shift lever.
Are you sure this is a C6 though? Broncos had C4's from the factory starting officially in '73 (but a few late '72's have been found with them) and though C6's have been fitted before, it's not a common swap due to the problematic size.
You might verify the type of trans, and where the shift arm on the side of the trans is positioned to make sure that creating the shift linkage is not going to be an issue.

Also verify that the lever on the side of the trans is oriented correctly (up or down) so that when you shift on the column the lever goes in the right direction.
Be a shame to shift into Park only to have it go into First!

For a rod between the column lever and shift lever on the side of the trans, we typically use this: WH 2925 Shift Rod to interface the two in a near-stock manner.
But with a swapped in transmission, you'll need to verify.

As delivered, the rod is straight. But you can bend it and tweak it here or there to clear any obstacles in the engine compartment to reach the trans lever.
All in all, it's pretty straightforward.

Paul

 

[toddz69]

For a slightly different perspective, I've used the aftermarket GM-based columns for the past 12-15 years (Flaming River) in my truck and there are three things that I really like about them compared to the stock/Direct-Fit columns. One - the fore/aft mounting adjustability of their mounts. I'm tall and like the wheel further away from me than the stock column allows. The universal aluminum block style mount on the GM-based columns allows that. If you're a little bigger girth, that might be helpful as well. Second, I like the lane change feature on the turn signal switch on those columns - Ford switched to them in the '78-newer trucks too. Driving in modern times with a lot of traffic in many areas, I find that very useful. And related to that, I like the GM turn signal switch assemblies better than the Fords, which used to break with amazing regularity when we had a stock column. I'm pretty sure some Bronco owners don't even realize their trucks are supposed to have self-cancelling signals......

Anyway, it really boils down to personal preference and I like the Direct-Fit columns - there are just some features on the GM-based columns that have made them very attractive to me.

Todd Z.

 

[Audifan]

For a slightly different perspective, I've used the aftermarket GM-based columns for the past 12-15 years (Flaming River) in my truck and there are three things that I really like about them compared to the stock/Direct-Fit columns. One - the fore/aft mounting adjustability of their mounts. I'm tall and like the wheel further away from me than the stock column allows. The universal aluminum block style mount on the GM-based columns allows that. If you're a little bigger girth, that might be helpful as well. Second, I like the lane change feature on the turn signal switch on those columns - Ford switched to them in the '78-newer trucks too. Driving in modern times with a lot of traffic in many areas, I find that very useful. And related to that, I like the GM turn signal switch assemblies better than the Fords, which used to break with amazing regularity when we had a stock column. I'm pretty sure some Bronco owners don't even realize their trucks are supposed to have self-cancelling signals......

Anyway, it really boils down to personal preference and I like the Direct-Fit columns - there are just some features on the GM-based columns that have made them very attractive to me.

Todd Z.

Hey Todd, thanks for the info. I absolutely hate the blinker arm in my stock column...PIA to get lined up right to get blinkers to turn off without switching to the other blinker.

I also did not know that self canceling signals was something I should have...cuz I for sure don't

 

[Audifan]

Regarding shifting the automatic trans, in theory that should not be a problem from the new column's shift lever.
Are you sure this is a C6 though? Broncos had C4's from the factory starting officially in '73 (but a few late '72's have been found with them) and though C6's have been fitted before, it's not a common swap due to the problematic size.
You might verify the type of trans, and where the shift arm on the side of the trans is positioned to make sure that creating the shift linkage is not going to be an issue.

Also verify that the lever on the side of the trans is oriented correctly (up or down) so that when you shift on the column the lever goes in the right direction.
Be a shame to shift into Park only to have it go into First!

For a rod between the column lever and shift lever on the side of the trans, we typically use this: WH 2925 Shift Rod to interface the two in a near-stock manner.
But with a swapped in transmission, you'll need to verify.

As delivered, the rod is straight. But you can bend it and tweak it here or there to clear any obstacles in the engine compartment to reach the trans lever.
All in all, it's pretty straightforward.

Paul

I was told it is a C6 and I have paperwork from the PO that refers to a C6, along with other C6 related parts.

However, I don't actually know myself. I'll have to crawl under it and get the numbers and look it up.

Also not sure on orientation either.

What I have paperwork on regarding the transmission is this:
C6 automatic transmission
NP205 transfer case, single stick shifter
C6 to NP205 adapter
Lokar C6 shifter
Lokar kick down cable
Transmission cooler with thermostat and gauge
C6 50 oz custom balanced 302 flex-plate

But clearly before I order a column kit, I need to get my ducks in a row.

Also need to figure out what kind of power steering I have, cuz all I was told is "High Output power steering pump"

 

[DirtDonk]

Hey Todd, thanks for the info. I absolutely hate the blinker arm in my stock column...PIA to get lined up right to get blinkers to turn off without switching to the other blinker.
I also did not know that self canceling signals was something I should have...cuz I for sure don't

Haha! Yep, probably the original switch then. Canceler arm long since broken off and sounds like the mechanism isn't too happy any more either.
They do work better than that when new of course, but can't dispute Todd's experiences with them vs the others.
But any of them should work better than the one you have now!

I was told it is a C6 and I have paperwork from the PO that refers to a C6, along with other C6 related parts.

What I have paperwork on regarding the transmission is this:
C6 automatic transmission
NP205 transfer case, single stick shifter
C6 to NP205 adapter
Lokar C6 shifter
Lokar kick down cable
Transmission cooler with thermostat and gauge

Nice! Sounds like you've got lots of big heavy duty parts already on it.
The 205 is not a perfect fit, but once in it's considered one of the strongest, if not the strongest stock transfer case around.
Only downside is less of a low-range, but that's not a big issue unless you take it off road more often and need the crawl ratio.

C6 50 oz custom balanced 302 flex-plate

Make sure to remember that 50oz detail!
This indicates your engine is of a later design ('81 or later usually) with the crankshaft that requires a 50oz imbalance flywheel AND harmonic damper.

Also need to figure out what kind of power steering I have, cuz all I was told is "High Output power steering pump"

Shoot a few pics of the steering and I'm sure someone can tell you just what you have.

Paul

 

[chrlsful]

Boy, I hate those things.
BUT, I do lub me an ol 3-on-the-tree.

For all the hassle (& 2 foregoing pages of detail) I'd just go w/a period correct bronk or other fitting (I think any '60 - '78 ford auto truck, bronk, or van) column. The van is a lill shorter? I put a bronk '78 tilt (manual) in mine frm an OR junk yrd (3K mi away) when I hada 3.03. I bet it would B easier w/an auto. To each his own. I do the restomod thing & care abt some details (yr correct), not others (pick yer fight, no?).

An art car auto is a pretty sm unit and U could put that on your console w/o space problems. The most difficult (I'd say) is rebuild a mani column (the shift tube & sundry lill parts). Thats Y I hada hurst 3 speed in mine when I got it in '83.