Column Differnces - 1970 Duster

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Cazbah362

Cazbah362

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OK All, I have searched FABO, Google and did a little work on my own. My questions is what is the difference between a 1970 A-Body column and 1972 and Up Columns? Specifically the manual floor shift ones? and which years interchange?
 
I know the 72 has the big unlock lever that you must rotate/depress to unlock ignition to turn key. I think 71 is same, but not 100%. Don't believe 70 has this safety device.

Grant
 
Are the collapsible columns the same size for both manual and power steering?
 
70 is a one year only deal. It had an interlock lever hooked to the reverse gear lever on the trans. so to remove the key and get it to the lock position, you must put it in reverse gear. Most got eliminated by removing the link arm. It was also collapsable like the 72. The 72 column will bolt in, cant remember if the wiring connectors are the same.


Also power steering columns have a shorter shaft.
 
same size except for the main shaft like 340duster stated.wiring is about the same.some have a key lite and some don't.otherwise they plug right up.what are you trying to do?
 
340duster said:
70 is a one year only deal. It had an interlock lever hooked to the reverse gear lever on the trans. so to remove the key and get it to the lock position, you must put it in reverse gear. Most got eliminated by removing the link arm. It was also collapsable like the 72. The 72 column will bolt in, cant remember if the wiring connectors are the same.


Also power steering columns have a shorter shaft.
Click to expand...

I agree.

70 is a one year only style of column. Will other columns bolt in, yes. Basically it's 70, then 71+ columns from a design standpoint. All of the columns will interchange with wiring changes possibly required. Need the proper shaft for man/power steering or and adapter if using a power column shaft in a manual car.
 
Also, if anyone has the linkage for the reverse lockout on a 70 4sp, I am looking for a set
 
340 - funny, just sold one on Ebay from my 70 Cuda.

kdsmith07 - I am working on a 70 Duster, changing it from power to manual. I am not trying to restore, so anything is go, prefer low budget options.

I pulled the power column shift that was in the car out and started to modify it. As I pulled it apart, many of the parts are broken, slightly bent (but usable). My intent was to use the Flamming River adapter (cleanest low budget approach in my view point).

As I started to grind off the shifter arm lever, the pot aluminum snapped on the shifter side. So thought I would search for a 70 manual floor shift. I found one complete, little more pricey than desired. So I expanded my search to 70 or greater columns and found a few. Not knowing the differences, I wanted to find out the differences and really its not clear.

Based on this, I did buy the 70 complete column, now my concern is the lock-out issue. All of these are pricey and not knowing the difference makes it a little dicey.

Thank you all for you input
 
With the lock out, if not doing a resto, wire the lockout to the open position so the key can be removed.

The real difference in the 70 and 71 column is the 71+ has a thumb release lever that needs to be depressed to remove your key. Other than that, it should be a direct swap after verifying the wires.

Pics of the two columns
71+


70 only
 
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