Steering Column distance from dash opening

[reed62]

Hey all,
I had a question about the distance between the opening for the steering column in the dash and the cone shaped housing near the top of the column. I know this could be a way to add more space between the seat and passenger to the steering wheel. I've seen some pictures that show about an inch clearance between the bottom of the "cone" and the opening in the dash. I know that if you have a column shift, that part will rotate during gear selection. I have a floor shift so it will not be a factor.

Thoughts?

Randy

[vin63]

If you are willing to shorten the steering shaft between the column and rag joint, you can move the column as close as you can. I positioned my Ididit column to 1/4" at the top of the column cover and the dash.

[mehoff400]

heres a good write up

http://lugnutz65chevystepside.weebly...ification.html

[reed62]

Originally Posted by vin63

If you are willing to shorten the steering shaft between the column and rag joint, you can move the column as close as you can. I positioned my Ididit column to 1/4" at the top of the column cover and the dash.

I'm using 2 borgeson joints and a custom length DD shaft. I haven't drilled any holes in the column yet to mount it with nutserts, so I am just getting an idea of what will work best for me. I'm thinking a 1/2 inch to an inch from the opening.

Thanks all

[vin63]

Originally Posted by reed62

I'm using 2 burgeon joints and a custom length DD shaft...

That makes it a lot easier. I run one joint at the column end - DD shaft - rag joint at the steering box.

[reed62]

Originally Posted by vin63

That makes it a lot easier. I run one joint at the column end - DD shaft - rag joint at the steering box.

I thought about using a rag joint but don't want to have to buy one of those + a shaft with a flange and then a borgeson joint or a slip joint on top of that. I'd like to keep it simple with as few connection points as possible. I ran two borgeson joints on my last project (50 Ford pickup) and didn't notice any vibration or buzzing in the steering wheel when driving.

[forestb]

I have seen people talk about this but I don't understand the point. It would seem that if the steering column is shorter the wheel would be closer to your lap. I am 6 ft 4 and the problem I had with the stock wheel was that it was to low and close to the top of my legs. If it were shorter it would be even tighter under the wheel.

[vin63]

IIRC, Reed62 will be installing an aftermarket tilt column. The other route that many people use to avoid that issue is to go with a smaller diameter steering wheel. Our trucks, especially 60-63 knee-knocker cabs, are not very ergonomically accommodating for tall people.

[Lugnutz65]

I've done this mod when I upgraded to PS. I wanted to accomplish 2 things. I wanted a column that would telescope to improve safety and I also wanted the wheel a little closer to the dash.

True, moving the wheel closer to the dash will make it lower too, but maybe only 1/2". If that 1/2" is a deal breaker then just get a smaller diameter steering wheel. Moving the steering wheel closer to the dash can also be accomplished by using a SW with less dish.

I shortened my column and added the DD telescoping section because I had all the pieces and it seemed like a fun project.

LINK to the DIY steering column modification on my BLOG.

Rough measurements show that that I was able to move the SW 2 to 2.5" closer to the dash by sliding the column 3" (because it's at an angle). It lowered the SW about 1/2". Still very comfortable for me.

BEFORE

[Lugnutz65]

after