HOW-TO: Swap in Tilt Steering Column/Replace Clockspring.

[dchoward1977]

Step 8
Now you need to transfer your old ignition lock cylinder to the new column. Dont worry about PATS, that black ring around the barrel is just the antenna. Whatever determines if you have the right key is somewhere else. The column I bought had a cylinder and key already in it. Either buy one this way, or most seem to have them already removed.

[dchoward1977]

Step 9
All that's left to do now is unplug the headlight switch. I just reached behind it, it's not too hard to get to. Pop off the plastic wire harness holder from the column, and remove these last 4 bolts. The column will try to fall on your head while you do this, keep a hand on it. Once they're all out it should pull out pretty easily, just watch out for all the wires hanging around. Bolt the new one in, reconnect everything and enjoy Tilt and Telescope. And self-canceling turn signals too, if yours broke.

[boca202]

Yeap, if your swaping from a ZX3 tilt steering to a SVT one, you will need ya ol clock spring, also don't forget to get the key for the new tilt steering to take out the key mechanism of the new tilt steering and put yours, also you will need to swap your pats transmiter.
My change took like 5 hrs because when i bought my tilt (used) it didn't came w/the key so i had to drill and destroy the key mechanism in order to put mine in.

[dchoward1977]

I actually didn't have to swap the PATS antenna/transmitter, I just used the one that was on the new column and it worked just fine.

[jaykirs]

Looks like a very nice write up, I'll see about getting it added to the "How To" archive. Nice job.

BTW, I will "sticky" this for the time being until it gets added to the "How To" archive just in case anyone else is interested in doing this swap.

[thedashingbuddha]

I'm so going to have to do this.

[SkaAddict]

I've wanted to do this for a while...always thought it'd be too hard with all the wires and such, but this looks pretty easy. It'll probably be my next mod...I think Focus Salvage sells the column for ~$120.

[SkaAddict]

Just did this tonight, I got a used SVT steering wheel and tilt/telescope column for $180 shipped from someone on here who totalled his SVT and parted it out. Took me about an hour from start to finish, its very straightforward; unplug all the connectors and the wiring is taped to a piece of plastic which is only held in by two tension tabs, remove the three nuts and torx bolt and the bolt holding the column to the steering rack and the whole thing pops out. Installing the new column is pretty much reverse of removing the old one. This would be a good project for someone just getting their feet wet as far as wrench turning is concerned.

[FellowsDrake]

Sick! After I get my motor where I want it and start workin on interior more, I'm so doing this.

LINK ADDED TO FAVORITES

[Cheffy]

Very nice job. If I ever manage to come across the right parts for cheap, I';ll consider doing this for sure!

Now I wonder how easy it could be to install cruise control...