What steering column is best for me?

[samdjr74]

Hi All,

With the different makes of columns which one is the best for my needs. I'm restoring/hotrodding a 56 chevy 3100. I'm using a 350 mated to a 700R4 and I'd like to go with a column shift. My question is, whats best, buy new from flaming river or ididit or go to the junk yard and dig one up? Also what lenght should I go with if I'm using a TCI IFS?

Thanks,
Sam

[Jebb1978]

I can only answer part of your question. The Ididit columns seem a touch more affordable to me than the Flaming River ones. My nearest Ididit dealer swears that the Flaming River is a better unit but you can't tell by looking at the two next to each other.

The one that came out of mine was straight out of a 1996 Caprice Police car and needed no modification to match up to my Camaro Gearbox. It is a tilt and was a comfortable length. I can measure if you like. I am at work now but I can do it in a day or 2.

[CAL 58 GMC]

I have a Flaming River with a floor shift. Mine is 32 inches and is a bit on the short side. Since there's not a lot of room inside I wanted the wheel closer to the dash. If I had a column shift I would get a longer one like a 34 inch.

[dwcsr]

I think I have the same one but its a paintable one not chromed or stainless.

[samdjr74]

Hi all,

Thanks for the info. Looks like the 34" with a column shift is what I'm after.

Thanks,
Sam

[Kabwe]

If you want to save yourself some money go to the junkyard or swapmeet and get yourself a early 70's Chevy Van column. It the same thing as the ididit and flaming rivers column its just not new so you may have to do some sanding and painting. There is a guy at the Long Beach swapmeet that sells rebuilt ones for 200 bucks that are sanded and painted black and look new. So for all you LA people head to Long Beach if you want to save a few dollars. I have one in my 55 210 and I have one for my truck.

[samdjr74]

Cool thanks the 70's Chevy van sounds good. Does anyone know what tranny's that van came with?

[dwcsr]

either a TH350 or TH400 depending on the engine and GVW.

[samdjr74]

The only problem with that is I'm using a 700R4 so I have an extra gear for overdrive which this column wouldn't have on the gear indicator. I guess someone makes a replacement for that to show OD?

Thanks,
Sam