how to swap steering column?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: beefed up 4.0 HO
I have a 91 xj with a 5 speed and the switch inside the column broke so it's permanently on high beams. I have a 94 xj with an automatic for parts and was wondering how hard it would be to swap the steering columns. I already tore down the 91 steering column and fixed the common loose steering wheel problem and id rather not do it again unless it would be about easyer then swapping the columns
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
You can replace the high beam switch without swapping the column. The switch in mounted on the lower half of the column and just has a rod that goes up to the stalk.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
is the 94 an airbag column? When I tried swapping my 95 airbag column into my 91, I discovered the Chrysler airbag column and GM non-airbag column are totally different. I was prepared to hack the electrical system (off-road use only), but the mouting pattern on the firewall was totally different, it wouldnt even bolt up.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
From: Lyons, Oregon
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
do you want to sell any parts off the '91 column? I want to convert my non interval wiper into an interval wiper, I figure I need a stalk, switch (under steering wheel) and module under dash. Coach
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: beefed up 4.0 HO
Yeah id be willing to sell some parts. If you could send me a picture of the parts it would be allot easier though haha Idk exactly what your looking for.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: beefed up 4.0 HO
I tried doing the swap but when I put the column from the 94 into the 91 the keys won't turn all the way off. The 91 column had a lever you had to push to get the key out and the 94 doesn't. Could that he causing a problem
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
From: Lyons, Oregon
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I don't have any pics, i need the lever w/interval wiper and the switch it goes into, plus the box the cable it hooks to under the knee bolster. Thanks. coach
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,874
Likes: 100
From: Northern Ontario, Canada
Year: 1990, 1999, 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
the tough key thing is probably due to the rod that runs down the top center of the column. my last column did the same thing until i replaced it for that very reason. i probably could have fixed it, but i had another column anyways.
swapping a column is very easy. remove knee panel, then the two large nuts under the dash, also the brace, then the two bolts at the firewall, unplug the harnesses and remove the bolt at the steering box, or even the one at the knuckle in the engine bay, depending on whether the slip shaft and/or u-joints are in working order.
reverse to install.
swapping a column is very easy. remove knee panel, then the two large nuts under the dash, also the brace, then the two bolts at the firewall, unplug the harnesses and remove the bolt at the steering box, or even the one at the knuckle in the engine bay, depending on whether the slip shaft and/or u-joints are in working order.
reverse to install.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15,016
Likes: 11
From: +34° 25' 35.67", -81° 21' 12.04"
Year: 1993
Engine: 4.0
What? It takes 10 minutes to swap the high/low switch... It's held on by the same bolt that holds the ignition switch on.
Swapping the whole column just to get the switch would be like swapping an entire engine just to get a new oil cap...
Swapping the whole column just to get the switch would be like swapping an entire engine just to get a new oil cap...


