Hey Guys, I have a 99 cavi that I drive and a 95 cavi we are stripping out to do a swap. The 95 has tilt wheel and my 99 doesn't. I have already removed the 95 steering column everything physically looks the same connectors and all, the only difference I have noticed is on my 99 there is a 2-wire connector running to my key switch, the 95 does not have this. will I still be able to install this column without any problems or is that to the pass lock security system? I can try to put up a photo of each but I think some of you may know what 2 wires I am speaking of. Thanks in advance for the assistance.
Moose
well i did an interior swap on my dads 98 and in the midst i havd the car running with theat connector unplugged so i can see it doin much.if unsure unplug it and try and start your car asnd drive it.if it still runs gues you don't need it and if it doesn't run well no tilt for you
Yeah Kinda figured that would be the case, I'll give it a try any way if it don't work I'll just put the old column back in. Thanks for te info.
no before you swap it out unplug that wire.if it runs then swap it out as obviously not nede but if it doesn't run just plug it back in and don't swap save yourself a bunch of work
Just remove and use your origional ignition switch in the new column and the problem will be solved
this is done by turning it to the on position and pushing a pin, I can get instructions if you need any..
I know how to remove the key switch, already did that on the tilt column.I will unplug it though on mine and see what that does. thanks for the help guys
michael meade wrote:Just remove and use your origional ignition switch in the new column and the problem will be solved this is done by turning it to the on position and pushing a pin, I can get instructions if you need any..
Hey Dmoose, seeing that you have your steering column out and all i have a question. Is it possible to put some washers in there to drop the column like a inch without swapping in a new tilt column? Guys used to do this to ford focus that did not have tilt and it worked great. I don't have tilt but i would like it dropped down like an inch or 3/4 .
I just took a steering column out of a Sunfire yesterday and it appears that you can add a few washers to lower it; you just might need to get some longer bolts depending on how far down you move it. You might have a problem with the bottom of the dash though because the dash is a one piece assembly you may end up resting on the bottom of the opening around the column.
The only Problem with spacing I can see is like Ravaged83 stated above, you would need longer bolts and the lower clearance issue. Keep in mind the safety factor if you replace the bolts DO NOT go any less than grade 8 on the bolt strength, after all this is yous and everyones life at stake. Don't cheap out on a couple of bolts.
My problem is not the fitment, my issue is on my 99 column at the keyswitch is a three wire connector leading into the tumbler housing, on the tilt from the 95 there are no wires. Simply removing the tumbler assembly will not work IMO. If I had the schematic I may be able to bypass this, I'm assuming one wire is key on power, one key off theft power and a ground, I guess I will break out the multi-meter and see where that gets me. Thanks for any Light on this.
DMoose wrote:The only Problem with spacing I can see is like Ravaged83 stated above, you would need longer bolts and the lower clearance issue. Keep in mind the safety factor if you replace the bolts DO NOT go any less than grade 8 on the bolt strength, after all this is yous and everyones life at stake. Don't cheap out on a couple of bolts.
Ok thanks also how many bolts are there? When i looked under there it looks like there is 4 bolts.
You got it 4 bolts thats it and the collar bolt holding the column to the rack make sure you put locktight on all the bolts too. Don't use red it's permanant!! blue is what you want. You do also realize when you lower the column you will be able to see right down into the great GM cluster of wires hidden under your dash. I suggest something to hide that, Especiall if you plan on showing your car.
Another thing to concider Matt is that when your column is mounted in it's factory points the bracket on the column rest on the mounting area eleminating any sway or movement. When you extend this area you have created a weak point ( the entire column resting soley on bolts and washers) if you were to jerk the wheel or be involved in even the slightest crash you may find yourself holding you steering column in your hands free from the car. Even Grade 8 bolts have a sheer point. My suggestion to you would be not to do this Mod but if you must... do as I am doing; swap in for a tilt unit, you gotta be safer than the Focus guys. because nobody loves Matt like Matt loves Matt.
Moose
Yea maybe some thin black flexible rubber. I will have to cut it to fit in there. Thanks for the info
Matt please read the last post I made and understand what i'm talking about. if you have the same flat surfaces together ( factory installation) you have a strong bond if you extend with washers and bolts you have compromised the integrity of the column by creating 4 weak points ie. bolts you installed. Doing this would result in a very, very , bad day for you and anyone else if you were to crash your ride.
Yea i'm gonna get under there and look some more. I have not yet decided about doing this yet. Alot of guys on the old ford focus forum use to do this without problems. I wood like my column dropped like an inch, that would be perfect.
