Steering column swap -- LBZ into LB7

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Slick03Max

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Mar 17, 2017
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Hey guys!!!
New guy here,,,and not sure if I missed it under the search function or not,,,but couldn't find what I'm looking for!!!

I am in the planning and gathering stages of putting an LBZ in my 03!!!
I;ve read and printed off lots of awesome wiring info off of here!!
I'm not sure exactly about the steering column swap,,,,I have steering wheel controls,,the donor doesn't!!
Do (or can I) swap the clock spring,,,steering wheel and air bag,, etc from my existing column (2003) to the lbz column (2006) to keep my radio controls etc,,,
I haven't torn the column out of mine to check wiring etc and don't have the donor in my possession just yet to check!!!
And also,,,I will have the 2006 cluster,,,does the 2006 cluster support all the DIC info that my 2003 now does??
Any info,,,tips,,links or ideas of things to do before or after the swap are greatly appreciated!!! Chris
 
gmc502

gmc502

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Jan 16, 2011
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I put an 06 steering column into my 02,for me,I had to put the column stuff of the 02 on the 06,all I had to do was drill and tap a boss for the ignition on the 06.
yours should be a direct swap over w/ no issues.
I did it for the steering wheel controls for the pioneer head unit.
 
JoshH

JoshH

Daggum farm truck
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Is there something wrong with your 03 column? Why go through the trouble of changing it?
 
JoshH

JoshH

Daggum farm truck
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Feb 14, 2007
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You can do just the shift lever, but the shifter on a 6 speed column is angled slightly different than a 5 speed. The tap shift lever on a 5 speed column will be positioned lightly lower than it would be on a 6 speed column in the same selected gear. You can either live with that or you can swap the shift mechanism also.
 
oscyjack

oscyjack

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May 7, 2016
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Mind if I semi hijack?

What about swapping in a telescopic wheel/column? My back would be grateful haha*
 
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testdrive

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May 28, 2013
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You need to swap the "rooster comb or detent" along with the shifter if you are install the six speed tap shifter. Two small screws hold it on.
The 06 cluster DIC will display what is needed. You might loose the 2nd driver MPG but overall you will like it better.
 
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Slick03Max

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Mar 17, 2017
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Thanks for all the replies!!!
Ive got the box and cab off,,,,going to sandblast and paint the frame once the engine and trans are pulled! !!
Another question about the wiring,,,,the dude im getting the lbz and 6 speed from says hes giving me the fusebox along with everything wirimg related,,,,,
Do i still have to swap some wires into different positions to make everything jive??
Thanks again!!
 
036.6turbo

036.6turbo

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Jan 17, 2014
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Slick03Max said:
Thanks for all the replies!!!
Ive got the box and cab off,,,,going to sandblast and paint the frame once the engine and trans are pulled! !!
Another question about the wiring,,,,the dude im getting the lbz and 6 speed from says hes giving me the fusebox along with everything wirimg related,,,,,
Do i still have to swap some wires into different positions to make everything jive??
Thanks again!!
Click to expand...

This;
http://www.duramaxdiesels.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27198
 
036.6turbo

036.6turbo

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Jan 17, 2014
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Slick03Max said:
Thanks for the links 03!!!!
Did you notice much difference between the lb7 and the lbz??? Fuel mileage etc???
Click to expand...

I have not checked the fuel milage of the LBZ, but the yes I have noticed a difference.

The LBZ is quieter, smoother and a much better driving experience. The six speed is responsible for much of that.

I have towed very heavy with it a few times it is much more capable, than the LB7.

Idaho Rob at ATP did my tuning, so my truck runs VERY well, depending on who you have tune yours, your results may vary.

Overall very happy with the swap. Thankful for the guys here, that made it possible.
 
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Slick03Max

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Mar 17, 2017
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Any tips or info on ideas on anything that i should do to the engine before dropping the body back down???

I was planning on the lml manifold,,,block egr,,,pcv re route and taking the turbo apart and cleaning it up!!!
 
036.6turbo

036.6turbo

Active member
Jan 17, 2014
712
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Slick03Max said:
Any tips or info on ideas on anything that i should do to the engine before dropping the body back down???

I was planning on the lml manifold,,,block egr,,,pcv re route and taking the turbo apart and cleaning it up!!!
Click to expand...

I removed the EGR and cooler, blocked off that stuff. Used the up pipe from the LB7.

I wish I would have cleaned the vane position sensor on my LBZ, its throwing codes now. I bought a complete replacement turbo, but it would have been much easier to swap over, with the motor out of the truck.

My donor truck ran, it had thrown codes on #8 glow plug being bad, so I replaced all of mine while it was out.

Other than that, the sky's the limit.
 
S

Slick03Max

New member
Mar 17, 2017
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Cab Lift points

Hey guys!!!!
Its finally time to drop the cab/front fenders/rad support back onto the frame,,,
I had used 2 forklifts to lift everything up and pull the chassis out from under the cab,,,but now one of the forklifts is out of service!!
I have a friend with a bucket truck with a winch,,its capable of lifting the weight,,,im just now exactly sure how to tackle getting this thing in the air so the chassis can be rolled underneath it again??
Should I open the doors and run a few slings across inside??
Any ideas of thoughts are greatly appreciated!!!
Its an extended cab,,,so it doesnt have the roof ribs like the crew cab for strength,,not sure if that really matters in a lift like this anyhow!!!
Thanks in advance for any guidance!!!!!!!
 
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