Steering Column Information
This may be old news/information to most of you but I did a little comparison between steering columns yesterday. Here are the players:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload175.jpg
The upper column with the wheel is stock M715, the black one is a Super Wagoneer tilt column and the blue one is from a 69 Commando. All are small diameter 40 spline shafts (74 and up Jeep shafts are 36 spline) and all use the Grant adapter #4403.
Here is how they measure up.
Length of tube to the collar under the steering wheel (the collar comes off the M715 tube but is made into the others).
+ M715 = 28", Super = 21 1/8", Commando = 21 1/2"
M715 column sticks out from the dash 5" to collar (can't say about the others) and the M715 column floor mount to collar is 22 5/8" & 23 3/8" (the mounting plate is tack welded on the tube at an angle. Both of the other columns have a moveable mount.
The internal parts of the steering columns are basicly the same with the exception that the Commando and Super columns have internal parts for turn signals and their cancelation function.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload157.jpg
Steering column shafts are similar with the M715 being longer than the others and the Commando shaft has the rag joint made onto the shaft.
Here is the M715 and Commando shafts:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload176.jpg
More to come...
more on columns and wheels
Steering wheels:
All three have the same 16"x17" steering wheel:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload170.jpg
Steering wheel mountings are the same even though the horn designs vary.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload165.jpg
The nut that holds the steering wheel on are identical between the Commando and m715 but the Super is smaller and thinner:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload168.jpg
Horn internal mechanisms are identical:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload167.jpg
More coming...
more on columns and wheels
There are some slight differences in the underside of the steering wheels but I believe they still interchange:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload173.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload172.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload171.jpg
The M715 column protrudes through the floor about 6":
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...ownload128.jpg
Why the comparison and all the measurements? I plan on putting a Super Wagoneer tilt column in my M715 for both comfort and possible seat/leg/wheel interference. Since the Super column is shorter it will have to terminate just past the floor board which will require a longer connecting shaft between the column and the steering box. it will also steepen the angle but I don't think it will cause any interference.
I suspect Commando steering wheels and steering parts are a lot easier to find than M715 parts. It is nice to know what fits and interchanges.