I've been collecting comparison photos of various parts for quite some time, so I figured it might be useful to post some "what's the difference" comparisons. Today's thread is steering columns. The 1973-77 A-body columns will fit the 1969-72 cars, but there is a difference, and it's pretty easy to tell at a glance.

The shift arm on the 69-72 columns is J-shaped and has a substantial offset.








The shift arm on the 73-77 columns is straight and has much less of an offset.

 

Joe, you say the 73-77 will fit. Does that mean the arms are similar enough that the linkage can be made to work?

 

Actually, John, I was primarily referring to the column itself. One would probably have to modify the backdrive or shift linkage to clear. The length of the arm on the column is comparable, so the throw of the linkage should be the same. The only question would be clearance of the arm and linkage to the exhaust. Of course, with headers all bets on that are off anyway.

 

OK. Thanks Joe!

 

Just checked mine, I have the 73+ floor shift tilt column in my 70 Cutlass Supreme convertible. That would explain why I have the wrong tilt and turn signal levers (which actually match the sport steering wheel rim really well). I have the back drive linkage attached, it barely misses the headers and is mostly working correctly. I say mostly because after switching to a dual gate setup I need to go back under the car to dial in the adjustment on the aftermarket shifter cable so I can get it to lock in park and low. I believe this to be a separate issue but now after reading this I’m wondering if this might be adding to the problem.

 

I have a column from a 75 Cutlass in my 69, it physically bolts in with no problems.