I'd like to replace the steering column on my '83 T/A. Someone stole the car from its previous owner and they busted up the column to get the car.
Has anyone put a 4th gen steering column in their third gen? How about any other late model steering column in a third gen?
Thanks,
ops32
P.S. I searched for this info and didn't find anything on steering column swaps...

 

i can't imagine a 4th gen column being compatible due to all of the electrical connections. You'll want to get one identical to what came on the car. If you want, you can always bolt up a different steering wheel if you're looking for a new look. Almost all GM wheels are compatible. I actually have a column from an 84 Trans Am I don't need that may be compatible with yours. You want to make sure it has all the same options such as cruise control and anything else mounted on the column. Any repair manual can give you the procedure to remove it if you need to know that. Private Message me if you're interested in my column or if you need help with how to remove it.

 

I've already added a different steering wheel. My current column has a huge metal collar on it that covers up the damage from the thieft. I was hoping that I could upgrade the column just by hitting the local pull-a-part... guess not, huh?
ops32

 

One from an 82 or 83 will bolt and plug right in; one from an 84-up will need to have some wiring swapped around for the wipers to work properly.

 

I did a swap in my '87 from an '86 about a year ago. Worked just fine. IIRC, 3 bolts at the firewall and two holding it up against the dash were all that it took. That, and the electrical.

All in all, a pretty easy swap tho. MUCH easier than trying to rebuild an old one.

 

Interesting. I'm going to rewire the entire car anyway. I guess I'll take some measurements and head out to the pull-a-part and "boldly go where no man has gone before."
Thanks guys!
ops32

 

I'm sure others have gone out to the pull-a-part for a steering column. lol. And what are the measurements for? physically the column from any 3rd gen would fit, the electrical connections are what have to be compatible.

 

I don't plan on limiting myself to 3rdGen columns... If the street rod guys can install modern columns in their old cars, I figure I can find a way to add a modern column to my old car! (I hope, anyway...)
ops32

 

What can a newer column do for you that the original one can't?

 

4th gen column is too long after the firewall, you'd need to build a shorter steering shaft, other than that i know on a 90-92 car it will plug right in.

 

That's the info I was looking for. Ebay has a 96 Camaro steering column for $36 delivered.
Did you do this in your car?
Thanks,
ops32

 

Well, my original is trashed - the plastic is all busted up and there is a honkin' big metal collar around the thing. Why buy a 10 - 15 year old used part when you can get one that's just a few years old?
ops32

 

I test fit one, and checked out all the electrical connections, like i said it will work if you build a new shorter steering shaft, try www.flaming-river.com i believe it is for parts to build a nice one.

 

You could also do what I did, don't replace the entire column

just replace the broken bits....
you could take them off a column from a parts car/junkyard

 

OK. Somebody outbid me on the cheap '96 column... Won some 2000 Camaro leather seats, though!
Is there any reason the late model steering columns can't be cut back a bit? I checked out Flaming River. Got 'em bookmarked now! Shouldn't be any problem building a new intermediate shaft set-up with their stuff. We'll see...
Thanks again,
ops32

 

How much longer is the 4th gen column? I've been thinking about a telescoping column. I'm 6'6" and am tired of being all scrunched up. I want to move my drivers seat back a few inches but need to bring the steering wheel with me.

 

I put a column in my 88 GTA from a 98 Trans am, and I believe it's in a bind as stated above

cruise and wipers do not work either...guess I'll tryo to swap parts to get my old one up to par...It's seen better days, thats for sure!

 

If you go with an Aftermarket Grant Wheel and the Removable Steering wheel adaptor, it will give you an inch or so of length.

 

Street rod guys would consider a thirdgen column a modern column. There is no reason to try and re-invent the wheel (or the column it attaches to).

 

There is if you'd read the explaination I already posted above...
The one I have is buggered up. I need a new one. I'm not limiting myself to already worn-out columns from old 3rd gens. Thanks for your assistance...
ops32

 

I've read your explanation, I just don't agree with the logic behind it. The 1996 steering column you were bidding on from eBay is already 8 years old.

I think the mileage and condition of the car you pull the column from would be a better gauge of whether you get a good one than choosing based on the year of the car. A 1996 column with 200,000 miles isn't going to be better than a 1990 with 120,000.

Even if you find a late-model column with low mileage: 1) it will be more expensive than a thirdgen column 2) you'll have to modify it to fit 3) the flaming river parts to modify it make it even more expensive, 4) if you cobble it together incorrectly you could lose steering, crash & die, and 5) it won't be a damn bit better than a stock replacement even if it works.

But that's just my opinion. Please let us know what you come up with- and the cost of doing it all.