Steering column swap?

RIPEREZ1027

MEMBER
1993 CHEVROLET VAN
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
350,000 MILES

Hello, a friend of mine just recently bought a 1993 Chevy Beauville van but unfortunately, he didn't even get the van home when he overheated the engine. So, he has given it to me to use whatever parts I can from it to fix-up and repair my 1985 Chevy G20 and believe me that there is a lot to repair on mine. Such as the power steering gearbox main seal leaks so bad it literally gushes, they are of a same size so I know that I can swap them. The steering column on my van has a lot of problems as well i.E, I can't switch from low-beam to hi-beam, there is no key cylinder, ( my wife lost the only key, forcing me to have to tear the column apart) which is why there's problems. The column on the other van is in very good shape and I would like to swap them out. I got as far as removing the '93s column and set it next to mine, that is when I noticed the differences in some of the connections and that's where I stopped. I may not be a mechanic, but I do have a little experience with electrical, (12v dc systems, non-automotive) and I know that just because they are from the same make doesn't mean the wires will all go to the same place as my van.
So, my question is: are these columns even interchangeable and if so, do you have the diagram for both vans?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,940 POSTS

Swapping the steering column between a 1993 Chevy Beauville van and a 1985 Chevy G20 van can be a challenging task, as there may be differences in the wiring and connections between the two vehicles. While it's possible that some components might be interchangeable, it's important to note that there may also be variations between different model years and trim levels. I would look at both columns to see the differences and the electrical controls. Switch configuration and ignition switch would be the concerns along with the mounting plate and coupler. Please upload images of both, so I can if the swap will work.