Steering Column difference 1972 vs 1974

Ok, so I swapped my 72 dashboard and mounting brackets for a 74 dashboard.

Why? It has less damage, less holes in it, it has a glovebox intead of the slide everything on a turn open shelf.

When I installed it I still used my 1972 factory column. I find there is a gap between the top of the column and the bottom of the dash, and that my steering wheel is too close to the top of my legs. It is almost like the mounting brackets on the 72 column are not compatible with the 74 dash.

I am debating whether to drop the column and cut and weld new support brackets to pull it up closer to the dash or just to install a different column with tilt wheel.

Anybody else run into this?

Thanks

 

I know of no differences between the columns on a Maverick. Must be something else.

 

Only difference I know between early/late column is the slot for the flasher switch is made deeper on the later models and the slots for the key tumbler are wider.

 

Not sure, I just put a 75 dash in my 71, other than missing the trim piece, it looks the same.
But I did use the original under dash mounting hardware.

 

The package tray uses a shorter bracket than the glovebox lower dash bracket. Best I remember it's close to 3/8"-1/2" difference

 

I finally got mine in, 71 column in 75 dash. There is a pretty big gap. I can actually see the ignition switch rod. Maybe a difference in the trim piece. Not sure.