YJ Steering column Swap

EDIT: I have added pics of the bracket fabrication and column fitting in this thread.

I am working on swapping in a YJ steering column into my 72. After about an hour with a multimeter and the YJ column here is what I have found so far.

2 Connectors (high/low beam headlights are on a seperate connector) 1 black and 1 white:

Black Connector pinout as near as I can figure: Labels based on markings on connector.
E - ?
F - ?
G - ?
H - Left Front Turn Signal
J - Right Front Turn Signal
K - Hazzards input
L - Blinker input
M - Left Rear Turn Signal
N - Right Rear Turn Signal
P - Brake Light Input

White Connector: Again labels based on markings on connector.
A - Intermittant Wiper
B - Washer
C - High Speed Wiper
D - Hot (12V)
E - Low Speed Wiper
F - ?
G - ?

I know 2 of the pins on the black connector are for the horn but now sure which two yet. So that leaves 1 black pin and 2 white pins unaccounted for. Anyone know what they may be or if they are even used?

 

Here's a link to autozone that has wiring diagrams, linked page is YJ.

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1f/ec/6b/0900823d801fec6b/repairInfoPages.htm

 

G for horn
E sometimes used if you have a key buzzer
F also for key buzzer

 

For those who are thinking of doing this. Flaming River sells a connector to adapt your existing harness to the gm/jeep steering column turn signals. Flaming River part number FR20118 and you can get it through 4wd.com.

 

Hudsonhawk, how much of a bolt in is this swap? How did you fab the mounting brackets?

A write-up with photos would be really cool......

 

I am still pulling the old column out. I have some work to do to the new one before it goes in So i have not addressed the mounting issues yet. I have figured out the wiring connections.

 

Started working on mounting the new column. I started with duplicating the brackets that mount the pedal assembly to the dash. I cut down the YJ bracket to fit the opening better. I will cut some metal to fit and weld it to the L brackets I made.



Then I found a clearance issue that I will have to work out. Probably just wind up cutting part of the shock mount away to clear the shaft.



Finally the brace for the old column would not fit the new one. Went to Home depot and picked up a 3" pipe u-bolt. Works great. Just need to shorten the threaded sections a lot.



So far everything I have done is 100% reversible. It should stay that way until I actually start reworking the wiring. The column, and shaft fit in the stock location with no modifications to either. The length is correct which makes everything a lot easier.

 

Update: I did have to remove the connectors for the key switch. There is just no room for it in the dash.

 

Finished the bracket. Turned out rather nice.
I apologize for the booger welds. I am still learning. The only place I ground the welds down was where the L and the bridge pieces were welded. I had to made sure the bracket would sit flush to the underside of the dash. A little weld where I bent the end of the tab down against the base, a little paint and it is good to go.

 

All I will say is that its mostly Jeep.

(CJ/YJ/TJ/FSJ, Gonna start calling it my Johnny Cash Jeep. One piece at a time....)

 

For the floor mount I used the existing firewall bracket and a 3" pipe clamp from Home Depot. For the seal, the one on the existing column is in decent shape and I plan on just enlarging the hole for the column and putting it on as the origional was.

 

Swap is done. YAY!!!!

Finished the wiring last night and made a finish panel to cover the holes in the dash from all the old switches. Everything on the column works except for the horn.



I wired in a light switch from a newer Jeep as well. The chrome button is the horn. I think it turned out pretty nice.

 

Great idea. good write up. Will you make any sort of finished plate to cover up the hole in the dash where the column goes through?

And do you have a wiring diagram? Or from the wiring list on the first page did you just use that and wire it in?

Also, how does the YJ assembley fit a Cj5 as far as the distance between the seat and the wheel? You know, for us fat guys? I know the tilt will help but when the steering wheel is tilted down, where does it sit in relation to the orgional?

 

I don't know if I will do a finish plate or not. This jeep has always been about functionality over looks.

The wiring is based on the list in the first post. Everything wired in as listed above.

The YJ steering wheel is about 2 inches smaller in diamater then the 72 CJ wheel. So that alone nets you some additional room. As an owner of a spare tire I have to say it does give you more room by a couple of inches.

Honestly I like the wheel tilted all the way up. Tilting it down just feels awkward. Probably because I am used to driving it with the bus wheel on it.