Is it feasible to install a tilt steering wheel in an early model 96 that did not have one? If so, ball park cost?

 

You bet it is, did it on my 95. My cost was $15 for the column. Got it at my local u-pull-it yard. Takes about an hour & 1/2 to do. You need the steering column and the lower half of the column trim. The upper half is the same on tilt and non tilt. There is also a grease seal that clips together and wraps around the bottom of the shaft by the floor. Becareful opening this up as you can break it. Remove the Pos battery lead, wait ten minutes then remove the Neg battery lead. This is to allow the reserve power for the air bag to discharge. Now the book says 2 minutes I am a bit more cautious than that. Then remove the lower kick panel under the steering column. remove the trim covers. Remove the four bolts, and lower the column. Disconnect the wiring and try not to brake the little retainer clips for the wiring. There are two torx screws on the back side of the steering wheel that hold the air bag in place. Remove the air bag. Disconnect the wiring inside the steering wheel. Remove the steering wheel. Keep it in the straight ahead position and there won't be any problem with the clock spring wiring guide. It will self lock in position when the steering wheel is removed. Now is the time to remove the igniton lock. You may have to drill out the retainer pin and then beat or pry out the lock itself. Get the book or a Ford CD and follow the instructions.

All in all it was worth it for the investment.