55-59 stock steering column

[jeffs56]

Does anyone know if someone makes a stock column replacement for the 55-59 Chevy trucks? Thank you. My column was cut off right at the base and I would like to keep the stock column that way I don't have to buy all the conversion stuff for power steering. Thanks guys

[Indian113]

Ididit and Flaming River both make a direct replacement for your truck. Stay away from the Knock Offs from China, they are the ones for sale at the Low Prices.

[Rude Dude]

stock steering shafts are part of the box, outside column that hold bearing at top of steering wheel spline is another piece. If they cut column at shaft you will need another column

[Rude Dude]

55-56 are longer than 57-59
Classicparts.com have original rebuilt for $300 plus a $150 core charge if none is provided

[Rude Dude]

Originally Posted by Indian113

Ididit and Flaming River both make a direct replacement for your truck. Stay away from the Knock Offs from China, they are the ones for sale at the Low Prices.

I think he is looking for stock column not tilt

[jeffs56]

Yes I don't really want to change out my box. Or if I do I would like to try and replace it with the stock one. That way I don't have to spend around $700 to convert to power steering

[dsraven]

jeffs,
if your original column was cut off anywhere then you need the whole thing, including the box, if you want to replace it to be like a stock column with standard steering. the column shaft is not a seperate part from the box so you would need the complete unit. the outer tube is also pressed into the steering box on a stock set up. some columns are longer because the wheel is flat instead of recessed.
if you still have a shaft sticking out of the box, enough to connect a ujoint to, you could make flat spots on the shaft, like an aftermarket DD shaft looks like, and then use a DD ujoint on the box end and connect the box to the column stub with a short length of DD shaft and another ujoint on the column shaft end to connect the 2 parts. the shaft at the column end would also need to be made to look like a DD shaft to accept a ujount. the column outer tube can be worked to install a bearing at the end of it so the shaft is supported in the tube and also so it wont be able to work it's way up the tube and mess up the turn signals etc. will you be using the stock shifter as well? you would need to have enough room below the floor for the shifter mechanism.
is this the same truck that you are thinking of doing the mustangII front end on a stock frame or you also have a frame with a camaro clip? did plans change somewhere along the line and now you are going stock front suspension?

[jeffs56]

Lol yep same truck. I can't make up my mind lol. I just don't trust the Camaro clip frame I have. Just so easy to mess them up. I have the dropped axle and my leaf springs professionaly lowerd. I have a aftermarket tie rod, adjustable drag link already to prevent the bumpsteer. But it's just so expensive to convert to power steering. I would like to figure out a way too use my stock box and add a aftermarket column or stock column back to it. But it's cut off flush. I was hoping I could get a welder to weld a solid bar to that shafts and then add the DD to it, and be able to add the column

[mr48chev]

Dang, they killed that one by being lazy when they pulled the cab off or snagged the column intending to shorten it and use a bearng at the bottom of the tube.

This is a how to article on putting a Toyota box on an F series Ford https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...8-1960-trucks/

No photos but he goes step by step.

Some discussion here on the toyota box swap https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads...&Number=526930

Still with all the guys going independent or frame swap or?? hopefully one has saved a good TF box and column and might make you a decent deal on it.

[mr48chev]

In this one a guy shows a toyota FJ manual steering box in a 46 pickup frame. Old thread on the Hamb that I answered several years ago.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...ng-box.749287/

[jeffs56]

I'll look at those. I appreciate it. Yes if someone has one laying around please PM me and we can work something out. The guy that was building my truck cut it off on purpose unfortunately.

[SideStepper]

Jeff, PM sent

[_Ogre]

should be lots of builders here going to ifs that should be able to donate one to your build
i have already given most of my stuff away

[jeffs56]

See that's what makes me nervous lol. Most everyone is going IFS. So makes me feel there been down my road before and the straight axle didn't work out. Plus just for power steering and disc brake kit it's about $1200-1400 plus the shocks and axle and arms. I know I won't get maybe a 1/4 of that out of it if I didn't like it and sell the stuff

[dsraven]

have you checked the other frame you have with the Camaro clip to see if it is straight and what would be required to get it safely on the road etc? you could fix the bumper mount issues and have a welder check the welds from the clip to the stock frame relatively easy and cheap compared to doing the stock frame with drop axle and then finding you really don't like the ride of the drop axle but you have spent a whack on it and then you are outta cash for any projects. if it were me I would do a feasabilty study on both, then compare and see what comes out ahead. not saying the drop axle is crap, just saying most guys I know that have them only drive them on sunny sundays to the coffee shop and back, not daily or for any real period of time. also not parking in any mall parking lots or dealing with normal traffic issues in a vehicle that has standard steering and old standard drum brakes.in todays traffic it would make sense to have good brakes and power steering so you can stop as fast as the Honda civic that is ahead of you. it is a lot of money to spend to upgrade the stock drop axle for power steering and disc brakes plus upgrade to a dual system brake master cylinder with a power booster. then in the end, it still rides like a truck from the 1950's. but hey, some guys like that.
it is your truck and your money. just saying do what you want but do your homework before you start.

[jeffs56]

Yeah I agree with you for sure. You've helped me out alot. I haven't really checked to see if it's square yet. I know I need new rotors,calipers, brakes, new shocks, probably bushings. And whatever odds and ends. Plus I'll need the brake booster and master cylinder either way I go.