Column Swap Question! Please Help!

[Silvergun]

I tried searching and couldnt come up with a solid answer, so here's the deal:

 

Opened up my 88 pioneer's steering column to fix the loose tilt bolts issue. Went smooth (believe it or not) and reassembled. Column still felt very loose and even prevented me from turning the key unless i held the column just a certain way. Upon further inspection, the cast outer column, closer to the firewall than the tilt hinges, is completely obliterated. It's been this way since i've owned it so no idea how it happened. It needs replaced. 

 

Here is where my question comes in, there is a fantastic deal on a complete 95 xj tilt column ($50 shipped!) Will it bolt right in place? What mods, if any, are needed? There is also an 88 tilt column for sale locally but for 200 bucks! :eek:

 

Please advise!  :help:

[onlyinajeep726]

Best advice, go to your local junkyard and pull one.  $200 for the '88 one is ridiculous and the '95 will not be plug and play AFAIK.  My local LKQ junkyard sells tilt steering columns for $29.99 + $7.00 core.

[Silvergun]

I called around and nothing older than 94 anywhere close right now. Any idea what kind of modification is necessary for the 95 Column? A dash swap is probably in the future anyways.

[Silvergun]

double post

[onlyinajeep726]

The dash isn't the issue.  It's the wiring that will be different (plugs and what not).  As far as all the bolts, everything should line up between the two styles of steering columns.  I've never done a swap like that, but I have owned a '96 XJ and several Renix era Jeeps with the GM style column.  IIRC, the way they're wired are different.

[Silvergun]

I gotcha. I might just have to go take a peek at one and see what needs to be done. Or wait for a proper one to show up. Thanks

[Silvergun]

UPDATE: Went ahead and bought the 95 column. Too good of a deal. Will have to do some wiring when it comes in, but shouldn't be too brutal.

[carnuck]

Silly question, but you do know there are 2 sets of screws inside the tilt assembly? Both sets of mine were loose.

[Silvergun]

Yes, i lock-tite'd and torqued all 4 bolts. The outer column was completely sheared.

 

I did get the 95 Column in and working. The upper bracket needed cut off and welded about 1" higher. Then the steering shaft from the column to the box needed shortened a bit. 

Wiring up the ignition was a breeze. Just had to find 2 accurate wiring diagrams. I still havent got around to wiring the light switches in yet, it's been pretty cold and had some yard work to get done before the frost. Thanks guys!

[ScottJeep]

Good job!

 

I searched and searched since my column was bubba repaired. Finally came across a column on eBay for $125 and the seller ended up sending column and steering wheel all as one. Swapped it in about an hour.

 

Biggest PITA was doing it by myself ( as usual ) and figuring out how to stabilize the remaining shaft at the firewall long enough to push the interior column through the firewall and into/onto the other shaft.  

 

These columns used to be so common. Not anymore. One steering wheel guy here in town told me he now does so few he has almost

taken the tools out of his truck. SAD.

[Eagle]

So what y'all are telling me is that I should yank the steering columns out of the hulks in the yard before I send the shells to the crusher?

[jimoshel]

So what y'all are telling me is that I should yank the steering columns out of the hulks in the yard before I send the shells to the crusher?

I do. Got a pile of them in the way so I stumble over them when walking to the shed.

[Silvergun]

Yeah, it was a bit of a pain for sure, but my brother in law came over for some beers and i roped him into helping me. The second set of hands and eyes made the install go a smooth as it could have. For anyone searching for this down the road, i have found one slight issue:

On my 88 turn signal switch, there is a white wire that connects from the brake light switch, to the turn signal switch, then to the lights. It is this wire that allows the opposite brake light to operate normally when the turn signal on one side is on.

The 95 turn signal switch does not have this provision. I imagine the 95 xj must have a separate circuit for the brake lights.  :hmm:

So, i am still looking for a simple solution to make everything work as intended. I have a few ideas, just need to get the time to play with it.

 

95 signal switch diagram:

 

 

This isnt an accurate 88 Turn signal Switch diagram, but it shows what i mean:

 

 

The wire coming out of the right side of the switch in this pic is what the 95 is missing.