82 GMC Sierra Automatic Steering Column

[MyBAC]

My 82 Steering Column is shaking dangerously. Can I replace it with a 87 from a Chevy Van 20? What years are interchangable?

Thank You

[swingline]

something other than the steering column is causing it to shake, unless you mean there is a lot of free play. i'm guessing it vibrates while driving, increasing with vehicle speed. if so it's most likely a steering linkage, suspension or wheel/tire problem.

[MyBAC]

Originally Posted by swingline

something other than the steering column is causing it to shake, unless you mean there is a lot of free play. i'm guessing it vibrates while driving, increasing with vehicle speed. if so it's most likely a steering linkage, suspension or wheel/tire problem.

Hey Swingline,
Thanks buddy but the problem I'm facing is the actual column. It's loose internally. Needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
What are the interchaging years and models for my 82? Can I use a steering column from a 87 G20 Chevy?

[fatmacsumo]

it doesnt need to be rebuilt you have four enverted torq bolts underneath the flex nuckle on you steering column i have tightend many in my time as a tech you need to find an experienced tech because it takes special tools to fix it shouldnt
be more than 2.5 to 3.0 hrs lobor time

[MyBAC]

Originally Posted by fatmacsumo

it doesnt need to be rebuilt you have four enverted torq bolts underneath the flex nuckle on you steering column i have tightend many in my time as a tech you need to find an experienced tech because it takes special tools to fix it shouldnt
be more than 2.5 to 3.0 hrs lobor time

What if I bought the neccessary torque wrench. Can I tighten it myself? If it's a matter of having the right tool why not?
Do I need to remove the entire steering column to tighten it up?

[CHIP1218]

the tilt columns have 4 torx head screws which hold the lower pivot bracket into the column housing. over time these tend to come loose since there were no lock washers or loctite used on them during assembly. it is most common on trucks since they sit up higher or have a lift kit because the driver tends to use the steering wheel as a handle to pull themselves up into the truck. all 73-87 C/K trucks all 73-91 suburbans and blazers with the tilt column are prone to this. you can do this fix yourself but you will need to fabricate a tool to get the 2 pivot pins out of the sides of the pivot assembly. the pivot pins have a threaded hole in the center. i used 2 pieces of flat steel stock, about 1 inch thick on each side of the pivot pin. then lay a flat washer on top of the steel stock. the washer should have a hole not big enough to let the screw that screws into the pivot pin to slip through. put the screw through the hole in washer and screw it into the pivot pin hole until it stops on washer. use a wrench to continue to tighten screw and it should start pulling out the pin. you may have to add a few washers as you go depending on how long the screw is since it may bottom out in the hole. when installing the pins they just tap in with a small hammer. good luck, let me know how it goes

[CHIP1218]

fogot to mention that when you get to the torx screws inspect the threads in the holes and on the screws. if the threads are damaged in the holes you can try using longer screws. if the threads are stripped out or completely missing your only bet is to change the column all together. if the threads are still good use lock washers and use a little red or blue locktite on them. you shouldnt have any problems with it after that.

[CHIP1218]

you asked if a column out of a G20 chevy would work. the G20 is a chevy van. van columns are shorter than the truck columns because they use a couple of u joints in the shaft to get through the firewall. in 84 and up the trucks had the wiper switch on the turn signal lever and used the lever to operate the high and low beam switch for the headlights. if you use one from an 84 and up make sure your turn signal wires match your old one. other than that a 73-83 column would fit your 82.

[fatmacsumo]

snap on tool sells a piviot pin puller and you need a steering wheel puller ,a steering wheel lock compressor, or just tell your local machanic what you want to do ask him if you can leave him a deposit on the tools you need . dont forget inverted torq sockets. you may never need the tools again unless someone needs you to fix thiers

[MyBAC]

Originally Posted by fatmacsumo

snap on tool sells a piviot pin puller and you need a steering wheel puller ,a steering wheel lock compressor, or just tell your local machanic what you want to do ask him if you can leave him a deposit on the tools you need . dont forget inverted torq sockets. you may never need the tools again unless someone needs you to fix thiers

Hey Guys,
So what we're saying is, I don't even have to take the steering column out to fix this problem? This would make since because the problem really is or seems to be piviting screws/bolts being loose. The base of the column closest to the pedals is fine. It's the tilting area that's loose.
I took the horn button off the steering wheel I see (1) center bolt and (3) torque screws in a triangler shape surrounding the (1) center bolt. If I remove these am I headed in the right direction?
Thanx Guys

[CHIP1218]

yep that will allow you to install the steering wheel puller and remove the steering wheel. its not that bad of a job, ive done a couple of them. just be patient and lay out all the parts you remove in the order that they came out. also if you dont have one already get a chilton or haynes manual. they have an exploded diagram of the column which can help you if you forget where a part goes.

[CHIP1218]

if you decide to change the column altogether be sure to look at the end of the shaft where it comes through the firewall into the engine compartment. 73-79 and some of the 80 models have a shaft that is round and splined. some of the 80 models and all 81-87 models for trucks and 81-91 for suburbans and blazers have a shaft that is flat on either side, looks like a double D with a bolt that goes thru the sides of the shaft. your 82 if iits the original column will heve the double D. GM must have been using up inventory in 80. i ran into numerous instances where parts for the 80 could be the old style parts or the new redesigned parts.