Aftermarket Steering Column(s) length(s)?
 

Hey Guys,

I am a bit tired of fighting with my original steering column, and missing horn and turn signal components, plus with power steering, I don't think I need the 17 inch wheel (and would love a bit more room) so I am looking at aftermarket turn signal columns.

The truck has 1978 GMC power steering now, my key is on the dash, and I have a manual transmission so no gear indicator needed.

Flaming River lists "1960-66 GMC TRUCK COLUMN SHIFT TILT COLUMN: MANUAL STEERING - PAINTABLE MILL FINISH" with a 32 inch length.

Ididt doesn't specify a length on their "Retrofit 1960-1966 Chevy Truck Tilt Floor Shift Steering" column, so Im not sure what they are doing

Can anybody who has installed an aftermarket column confirm which length works best, and maybe show what steering wheel(s) you are using?

Thanks!

Re: Aftermarket Steering Column(s) length(s)?
 

Based on memory, when I was searching for an aftermarket column, I contacted Ididit and they offer a 30" (rack & pinion) and a 36" for steering box. I thinking you can probably get one custom made...not 100% sure about that. I went with the 36" Ididit column, key on dash and column shift. I'm running '68 Camaro buckets and with the column pushed as close to the dash as possible, there's a decent amount of room. I'm 6'4" and using the 17" Custom steering wheel. I could see where running a smaller diameter wheel could free up some lap space.

Re: Aftermarket Steering Column(s) length(s)?
 

I remember an old "Car Craft" article where a couple of guys used a broomstick and a paper plate to make a mock up column . One guy sat it the seat while the other adjusted it back and forth from under the hood so they could find the ideal length.

Re: Aftermarket Steering Column(s) length(s)?
 

I Just put a 30" tilt column from Auto City Classic in my 66 because I need the room for my calorically challenged mid section. Gave me about 3-4 inches of room. If you have a larger mid section the 30" columns are more desirable since it puts the wheel closer to the dash.

Re: Aftermarket Steering Column(s) length(s)?
 

Here's a pic of a 30" Ididit column. This is pushed as far as it will go toward the dash.

This is ideal for my rack and pinion setup since I need a 2 piece steering shaft due to the angle.

They recommend a 32 or 33" for stock steering. This won't effect the length inside the cab. It just sticks out the firewall further. Which is fine, since you can usually get away with a 1 piece steering shaft.

Re: Aftermarket Steering Column(s) length(s)?
 

I'm running a 32" floor shift tilt in my Apache. I'm 6'3" about 260 and it fits well with the GM OBS seat.