2nd Gen steering column.
#2
04-11-2008 | 12:52 PM
Legend
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 9,112
Likes: 1
From: Spring, TX
RE: 2nd Gen steering column.
Here is what I found from a knowledgable neonite....
[/quote]
ORIGINAL: Dale Seeley
Part of my srt-4 swap into the 1996 Highline involves moving all of the SRT wire harnesses, including the steering column switches. My reason for the switch is the relocation of the headlight stwich from the dashboard to the multifunction switches, and avoiding a lot of the splicing of system critical electrical connections... basically, some people would call it lazy, I call it 'clean'.
I bought a 2nd gen column from Vitor (THANKS!) that came with the needed switches and trim covers.
Comparing the two, the upper mount is identical, the lower requires relocating two mounting holes in the dash brace. Not a big deal. The length of the colomn is different, because the second gen body is at a different height with respect to the suspension crossmember. This is also a problem that can be solved in the mounting of the new steering column.
My real problem was the lack of a key for the ignition switch. The switch can't be removed without the key, and the column can't be unlocked without removing the switch. I could take the assembly to a locksmith to have a new key made, but that requires effort outside of the shop...remember, I'm lazy to a fault.
It turns out that the 2nd gen multifunction switch is a drop-in replacement for the pair of first gen switches on the first gen steering column. The second gen trim covers fit, with minor effort. The Tilt Steering lever hits the new trim panel, but minor surgery on the panel is hardly noticible. The ignition switch is properly centered, but 'deeper' in the hole than the trim panel was originally molded for, and the little button for releasing the switch, allowing it to rotate to "off, remove key" is in a slightly different location.
It's not a perfect swap, but it's good enough for the girls I go out with... Those doing a 'pure SRT-4' swap don't need to swap the columns, if they can live with an imperfect ignition switch access hole...
Regards,
Dale
Part of my srt-4 swap into the 1996 Highline involves moving all of the SRT wire harnesses, including the steering column switches. My reason for the switch is the relocation of the headlight stwich from the dashboard to the multifunction switches, and avoiding a lot of the splicing of system critical electrical connections... basically, some people would call it lazy, I call it 'clean'.
I bought a 2nd gen column from Vitor (THANKS!) that came with the needed switches and trim covers.
Comparing the two, the upper mount is identical, the lower requires relocating two mounting holes in the dash brace. Not a big deal. The length of the colomn is different, because the second gen body is at a different height with respect to the suspension crossmember. This is also a problem that can be solved in the mounting of the new steering column.
My real problem was the lack of a key for the ignition switch. The switch can't be removed without the key, and the column can't be unlocked without removing the switch. I could take the assembly to a locksmith to have a new key made, but that requires effort outside of the shop...remember, I'm lazy to a fault.
It turns out that the 2nd gen multifunction switch is a drop-in replacement for the pair of first gen switches on the first gen steering column. The second gen trim covers fit, with minor effort. The Tilt Steering lever hits the new trim panel, but minor surgery on the panel is hardly noticible. The ignition switch is properly centered, but 'deeper' in the hole than the trim panel was originally molded for, and the little button for releasing the switch, allowing it to rotate to "off, remove key" is in a slightly different location.
It's not a perfect swap, but it's good enough for the girls I go out with... Those doing a 'pure SRT-4' swap don't need to swap the columns, if they can live with an imperfect ignition switch access hole...
Regards,
Dale
