How long is 55-59 steering column

[Fults1971]

Ive got a 56' steering column, but looking at may a universal column shift. I looked at the ididit columns, but they don't state the length of the column. I think I found a universal that would fit, but it considerably cheaper. I think ive read a few things about the length, but everything ive read says 30 inches. but my factory shaft is considerably longer. so im not sure how to measure the column; from spline to spline?

[mr48chev]

On aftermarket steering columns "cheaper" is not better. Go Ididit or Flaming River and be done with it or go with a factory oem column in good shape. There have been too many guys go with the cheap ones and then have to replace them with one of the good ones when they fell apart.

On the column length you want just enough sticking out in the engine compartment so the shift arm has clearance and you can comfortably attach the shaft to the joint that attaches it to the box.

On the inside you need the steering wheel you plan to use and it's adapter if it has one so you can figure exactly how far from the dash or the clamp under the dash the rim of the wheel will set to figure out how long the shaft has to be to get it to set at that spot. Nothing is more uncomfortable in these trucks than a steering wheel that is way too high or way too low.

[Fults1971]

thank you.. I may go ahead and spring for the ididit column since My OEM column doesn't have any of the components at the top of the column. Ive been searching for the parts for it, but came up empty handed. Any suggestions?

[1958Warrior]

So do you plan on using your stock steering box, adding power steering ? you said column shift , auto or standard trans.?
Not much in upper colmn to start with. Horn components.
Turn signals if you want the turn signals in the column and don't want the add on type, a lot of trucks did not have turn signals from the factory.
LMC has a good pic of what is needed:
http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_047.html

The Truck Shop has better prices on some parts:
http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_047.html

post a pic of what you have to work with.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The 55-57 is a different length then the 58-59 on account of the dished steering wheel.

[Fults1971]

Originally Posted by 1958Warrior

So do you plan on using your stock steering box, adding power steering ? you said column shift , auto or standard trans.?
Not much in upper colmn to start with. Horn components.
Turn signals if you want the turn signals in the column and don't want the add on type, a lot of trucks did not have turn signals from the factory.

post a pic of what you have to work with.

I plan on having a column shift. I think ill just spring for the ididit column. Not sure whether I should go with the rack and pinion or just go to power steering. I have sid at dropped axels working on my axel now. I think with dropped axel, a power steering box maybe the better way to go.
As far as the picture goes, the column shown in the picture isn't mine, but that's essentially what I have right now.

[Fults1971]

Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret

The 55-57 is a different length then the 58-59 on account of the dished steering wheel.

if I understand it right. 55-57's are 32 inches, and the 58-59 are 30 inches because of the dished wheel. correct?

[OrrieG]

Stay away from no name universals. Better to stand in the shop burning $20's. 30" seems to be the standard length. I used an eldorado column which is 2" shorter so it did not extend out of the fire wall so much. works fine with the telescope all the way forward.

[1958Warrior]

What engine / trans are you using? stock brake mount or firewall mount? there are some that run into the shift linkage hitting stock brake pedal,
I'm not sure but the power steering pump should mount in the stock gear box location, power steering pump brackets on ??? engine ,don't know about header interference.
I have read where some have used a Toyota power steering pump.

In OrrieG's build he used a cable shift to correct the linkage and brake pedal interference see post #134 in his build,

[1958Warrior]

Also don't know if your 5' or 7' tall, get a piece of pipe or closet rod and with the seat in the truck use steering wheel and rod to simulate steering column to fit you. have someone mark the rod location as it passes through the firewall then add 2-3" to get overall length.

[Fults1971]

Originally Posted by 1958Warrior

What engine / trans are you using? stock brake mount or firewall mount? there are some that run into the shift linkage hitting stock brake pedal,
I'm not sure but the power steering pump should mount in the stock gear box location, power steering pump brackets on ??? engine ,don't know about header interference.
I have read where some have used a Toyota power steering pump.

In OrrieG's build he used a cable shift to correct the linkage and brake pedal interference see post #134 in his build,

Maybe a stupid question Is it possible to use an automatic trans with the ididit column. My truck didn't come with the drive train so, as far as the engine goes, it will probably be a 350. The transmission will depend on whether I can go automatic. If not I guess its a 3 speed. Also, can I go with a 4 speed? This is my first build so, the whole thing is a learning process.

[1958Warrior]

Im pretty sure you can only use auto trans with column shift ,do not think they make a 3 on the tree column. with a floor shift column you could go auto or standard.
Id recommend reading threw a few builds that use straight axles ,here are a fewthat converted to power steering
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=549739
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=471975
and one using stock gear box
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

converting to power steering can get pricey, I don't know what your fabrication level is and budget,

FYI: if it were me Id use stock column and gear box( that will work with your drop axle )
you can add on a blinker switch for around $25, external horn button for $6 , just add a steering wheel. focus on drive train 1st, then after you get it running and stopping address whether to convert to power steering.

[Foot Stomper]

Which ididit column works for the 58/59?
I'm considering this option and they don't list 58/59...

[Coupeguy2001]

'57 was the first year of the dished steering wheel due to federal mandates. It is the first year of the shorter column.
On my 57, I used a 30 inch column, and shortened the Ididt shaft to go from the column to the box. I bought a 3 foot long shaft.
Any hot rod shop can supply the universal joints to go from DD shaft to any spline. Usually they have them in stock, or can order it.

[roger55]

Ididit 55-59 tilt column:



This will not work for a stock late 55 or 56 steering wheel when using a CPP400 power steering box. But it's works great for the stock 57-59 dished steering wheel.

Iditit told me the early steering wheel will work when using other steering boxes but I'm skeptical of that.