Steering column swap

NOTAMACHANICYET0498

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET BLAZER
4.3L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
14,800 MILES

I'm getting told several things about what parts and other things can be interchanged between the 2 blazers it says the interchange years are 1995-2005, but is that correct? Or is there some parts that are not interchangeable like the ignition or steering columns? Because I need to swap the steering column on my 1998 Blazer and I'm hoping I can used the one from my 2004 blazer.

I have two identical Chevrolet Blazers, 2004 and a 1998.

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,572 POSTS

The columns will interchange physically. However they are not the same electrically. The two years used different types of passive anti-theft systems (PassLock V1 Vs. PassLock V2) and the internal cast housing parts of the columns are made differently because the sensors and lock cylinders use different locations and methods to operate. You need the column from a 2001 and up to get the correct parts. Even then you will need to do the long 30 minute re-learn process to get the system to operate with a different column.
GM changed many of the parts during the last generation of the Blazers. Many body parts interchange but mechanical parts can vary a lot. Especially when it comes to the engines and drive-lines. I've owned a bunch of them over the years and the changes made can drive you crazy.