Can a steering column be shortened?

[spartman]

Was wondering if there was a way to shorten the steering column length so that the wheel would be closer to the dash?

Say 2-3 inches or whatever is possible. This would be for a manual steering shaft with a floor shifter so it's basically a tube.

Seems like it shouldn't be a big thing but I thought I would ask before I ruined a column.


Thanks guys

[FORDification]

Yes it can be shortened....it really wouldn't be that big a deal to shorten the column tube by sectioning a piece out of the middle, and then cutting the flange off the bottom of the shaft, shortening it, and welding the flange back on.

However, if all you want to do is get the steering wheel farther away from you, why not go with either an Econoline wheel (since it's more flat, instead of the dish-shape of the truck wheel and has the same appearance) or an aftermarket wheel with less of a dish? Seems like less work to me.

[spartman]

Sorry about the late reply. I have been down with a cute little stomach flu for the last few days.

The truck I have already has the newer 2 spoke style wheel in it and well since I am a little big bigger than the average bear the wheel is just a little to close to my customized Big Mac holder (ie stomach).

To me it seems that the wheel is just a little to close for my comfort big gut or not and was wondering about moving it closer to the dash and giving me a little more comfort space.

I do have another column available I may just have to see what I can do.


Thanks for your help so far guys.

[dotcentral]

do you have power or manual steering? If you have manual steering, a column out of a p/s truck may give 2-3 more inches, provided the p/s setup was the non-bendix type. when Ford went to the non-bendix (Ford?) setup, the column became shorter in p/s equipped trucks.

Or, maybe someone converted your truck to p/s and didn't swap columns. I don't know an easy way to tell you to look for that possibility

[tcb1969]

if you switch out the factory wheel for a smaller diameter you really notice the distance to the dash. With the non-power steering, factory wheel (17") the wheel is only about 1 1/2" from the dash pad at the top so the length of the column is necessary.

remember though - if you cut the column it will move the wheel closer to the dash but also that much lower. steering between your knees might not be much fun. do a mock-up first so you can be sure before you cut.


John

[lobuck76]

What about one of the aftermarket steering wheels with less dish?

[spartman]

Here is what I have on the truck right now.

I am thinking it came off of a newer truck or van since it is the stock type two spoke wheel.

Maybe I am just a little to big for the truck and need to lose some cushin in my tushin'