I want to install a tilt steering column on my 1983 Dodge van. I have the column but I forgot to grab the tilt-column only u-joint that goes between the end of the center shaft and the gearbox.



These are surprisingly hard to find used.

I bought one from a junkyard in California, but it has a torn boot and is missing the clamp that goes around the fitting that engages the splines on the gearbox input shaft:



The turn signal switch in my current non-tilt column is a $70 aftermarket part that is cheaply made crap. It lasted less tan a year before frying itself (giving me quite a scare when smoke started coming out of my steering column). For a while the only symptom was I didn't have a right brake light. Now, I have no turn signals, no brake lights, and no reverse lights. My hazards do work. I have checked and there are no blown fuses.

This leaves me with a choice- go and purchase another $70 switch that is of the same or poorer quality that the replacement switch that already failed, or go ahead with the swap to the tilt column which still has the factory turn signal switch in it.

My question: Can I install a lame get-by fix in place of the proper clamp that goes on the end of the u-joint? Something like a hose clamp? Or do I need the extra holding power a true metal clamp and bolt will provide?

Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Can't imagine what would be the matter with using any clamp of the correct ID that does not have such a large OD that it snags on anything.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thanks. I might give this swap a try.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

I am also fairly certain that somewhere around here I have a new name-brand turn signal switch. I'll attempt to dig it out; I no longer own an applicable truck or van.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

It is a different switch for tilt and non-tilt columns. However, if you DO find it, the switch is the same for vans and trucks. My brother also has the same brand crappy replacement turn signal switch in his 83 Dodge van. His hasn't melted down yet, but every other time he turns on the right turn signal his horn honks. It didn't do that with the original Mopar switch. I am sure he would be interested in a turn signal switch that doesn't honk the horn.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

My switch would be for non-tilt.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

If all else fails, you can get a universal switch that goes on the steering column with a hose clamp. They are very durable and I've seen them used on everything from dumptrucks to golf carts. That will hold you until you can find the correct switch.

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82 D150-225/727
02 Dakota-3.9/5 speed
87 GMC C7000-8.2 Detroit Diesel/5+2

Well, I dug around and found the old original switch I took out of the van. I think short term I will just reinstall the worn original switch and wait until I can track down the correct parts to install the column the right way.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.