squirlchasr919

So in my attempt to install a steering column bushing I managed to break the column itself, it no longer turns at all. Does anyone know of any place to get a column aside from the dealer itself? I've found one online for $350, I think the dealer wants about $450. I'm gonna check my local junk yard tuesday and see if there are any trucks that will fit the bill.
Do you think the columns are that specific, will a 1500 or 3500 fit my 2500? I guess I'll just have to look and see.

gmctd

They're all identical, if you get the comparative options - cruise, tilt and automatic.

Check the drive end, where the universal shaft to the steering box attaches, to compare Diesel with gas, but afaik they're identical.

You can use the auto in the manual truck, but, obviously, not vice versa unless it's floor shifted

flycl65

check the junk yards I was able to find a floor shift tilt with cruise for $180 in Phoenix. If your interested in a floor shift non tilt, no cruise, let me know I'll make you a real good deal........

ProspectorTim

Watch ebay for seller Partsitout to re-list this 96 ram auto steering column
He has listed it several time and it has expired with zero bids with a starting bid of $20. & reasonable shipping charges.

I was keeping an eye on it while I was working on my steering column, but I managed to fix mine.

What do you mean, "no longer turns at all"? What is broke? Or is it just REAL STIFF? Read about my experience (with lots of photos) here. Keep reading; it took me a couple of weeks working on it in my spare time, but I got 'er done.

Greguw

I sent you a PM if your looking for a complete auto columb out of a 96 tilt .

Greg

squirlchasr919

Thanks for all the replys I found one through a local dealer contact for only $160, talk about a steal.
ProspectorTim, I managed to strike the column so hard when attempting to "seat" the new bushing that I knocked the end of the column itself down a few inches. I normally am very gentile with most things but I let the size of my hammer get the better of me this time.
Live and learn.

ProspectorTim

That sounds like what I did.
Most likely, you didn't actually BREAK anything; you just forced the shifter tubes to collapse, and the plastic pieces came out of thier slots.

After my recent experience delving into the column, I could probably fix that in about 5 minutes if you didn't lose the plastic parts. Don't ask! LOL

Oh yeah, save that bushing... your NEW column is probably the same lousey design as the original. When this one wears out, check the fit on that bushing and if it is too tight, grab some sand paper and "adjust" the fit some. It should fit snug, but not require any real pounding to get it to go in.