redjeep1991

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

Bustedback

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.

redjeep1991

Ik like I said I tore the one in the 91 apart already once and it looks like it would be easier to just swap them

freegdr

swapping coloumn is a little easier as long as electric plugs match

RenegadeT

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.

Coach

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

redjeep1991

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.

redjeep1991

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

Coach

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

caged

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.

Lowrange2

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...

redjeep1991

It's not that it's tough it will turn forward fine but it won't turn to the off position

redjeep1991

Its not the switch on the bottom of the column it's the set up on the stock that is messed up

Lowrange2

Those take 20 minutes to install. There's still no reason to swap the entire column...

redjeep1991

Well I've already got the new column in. Does anyone know why the key wouldn't turn off