steering column issue - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

oldsub86 · 01-31-2003, 12:08 AM

I picked up a power steering box for my truck a couple of summers back in a junk yard and was not sure if the rest of the setup was the same so I pulled the long shaft out of the truck and took it too. Looking at that 3 foot long steel shaft makes me wonder if I would get skewered if I am ever in a serious accident with the truck. Most newer vehicles have a more collapsable column to prevent injuries in an accident.

Has anyone changed the steering setup to something more modern, flexible, safe etc? Anyone have any ideas on how one might address that issue? I had an 86 Suburban for a long time but I don't really recall what the steering column looked like in it. Is a newer one swappable or is it any better?

scull67 · 01-31-2003, 01:20 AM

Just learned this from another member. 69 and up columns have a 2 part shaft designed to collapse in a head on. That is what I am going with in my 67.

hobby67stepside · 01-31-2003, 03:18 AM

You can get a collapsible column or any parts you need from any of the dealers who handle Borgeson and I would guess Flaming River although I don't know for sure about them. I got mine from Yogi's. (Check your magazine ads for phone # and address)

Huck · 01-31-2003, 09:16 AM

Skewed by the steering column???? I'd be more concerned with with the instant barbacue you become when the "in cab " fuel tank sprays you with Shell Premium!! Instant SHISHKEBAB!!!
Seriously, a valid concern and one best addressed by getting the later steering column and moving that tank to the rear under the floor of the bed. Also a good idea to use a 72 glue on rear view mirror verses the 67-71 meat hook mounted mirror.

sakohntr · 01-31-2003, 01:17 PM

Hey when its your time, its your time. Can you think of a better way to go than in your truck??

ChevLoRay · 02-01-2003, 08:01 AM

When I was in college, waaaaaay back in '65, some friends were killed in a head-on collision. One car was a '60 Ford Starliner, the other a '64 Impala SS Convertible. Both cars met in the center of the highway, in the apex of a curve, at a speed estimated to be approximately 90MPH each. Neither driver could have seen the other car until an instant before the impact.

The steering column of the Impala, specifically the threaded end, was bent upward at a 90-degree angle. The driver didn't wear his seat belt and slammed into the steering wheel. Since he was propelled first under, then upward, the column end bent.

So, I don't think you'll have to worry about being skewered by the column. If you have an accident as bad as the one I saw, it won't matter. Nobody walked away and no one who was in either car (a total of 5 students) could tell you how it happened.

**Desert Rat** · 02-01-2003, 11:18 AM

whats wrong with Chevrolet Division or a Bowtie imprinted on your chest? If your hit that hard,i think your collapsible column shaft will only give you a few more seconds before it blows through your chest,but a later shaft is readily available in trillions of our trucks and available in every junkyard,and probably by every member of the board,i probably have a few stuffed inbetween boxes and crates and junk to.

01-31-2003, 12:08 AM	#1
oldsub86 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 695	steering column issue I picked up a power steering box for my truck a couple of summers back in a junk yard and was not sure if the rest of the setup was the same so I pulled the long shaft out of the truck and took it too. Looking at that 3 foot long steel shaft makes me wonder if I would get skewered if I am ever in a serious accident with the truck. Most newer vehicles have a more collapsable column to prevent injuries in an accident. Has anyone changed the steering setup to something more modern, flexible, safe etc? Anyone have any ideas on how one might address that issue? I had an 86 Suburban for a long time but I don't really recall what the steering column looked like in it. Is a newer one swappable or is it any better? __________________ 1968 Chevy - 292 with a powerglide

01-31-2003, 01:20 AM	#2
scull67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hoboken, NJ, USA Posts: 228	Just learned this from another member. 69 and up columns have a 2 part shaft designed to collapse in a head on. That is what I am going with in my 67. __________________ Hoboken, N.J.(home)/ Washington, D.C.(work)

01-31-2003, 03:18 AM	#3
hobby67stepside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 952	You can get a collapsible column or any parts you need from any of the dealers who handle Borgeson and I would guess Flaming River although I don't know for sure about them. I got mine from Yogi's. (Check your magazine ads for phone # and address) __________________ '05 2500 HD Silverado 6.0 liter '97 2500 4X4 454 eng '92 2500 4X4 350 eng '78 K20 4X4 400 eng '70 Boss 302 (owner for 27 years) '57 Ford shortbox 383 stroker TH350 tranny '23 T-bucket (built in '78) '02 Explorer '67 C-10 short step NW Iowa

01-31-2003, 01:17 PM	#5
sakohntr Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Floodwood Minnesota Posts: 1,057	the end Hey when its your time, its your time. Can you think of a better way to go than in your truck?? __________________ 1967 K30 Napco 292/SM420 original paint 30k miles 1968 K60 Napco 396/5spd. dbl frame 52" michelins 1969 K10 SWB GMC 454/4spd 6" 35's posi,hooks 1972 C30 longhorn,BB/AT,A/C,Tilt,Toolbox,lokr 1987 K20 Chevrolet Suburban. 6" lift. 5.7L/TH400 1979 K60 GMC Coleman 4x4, 427/Allison.

02-01-2003, 08:01 AM	#6
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	When I was in college, waaaaaay back in '65, some friends were killed in a head-on collision. One car was a '60 Ford Starliner, the other a '64 Impala SS Convertible. Both cars met in the center of the highway, in the apex of a curve, at a speed estimated to be approximately 90MPH each. Neither driver could have seen the other car until an instant before the impact. The steering column of the Impala, specifically the threaded end, was bent upward at a 90-degree angle. The driver didn't wear his seat belt and slammed into the steering wheel. Since he was propelled first under, then upward, the column end bent. So, I don't think you'll have to worry about being skewered by the column. If you have an accident as bad as the one I saw, it won't matter. Nobody walked away and no one who was in either car (a total of 5 students) could tell you how it happened. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

01-31-2003, 09:16 AM	#4
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Skewed by the steering column???? I'd be more concerned with with the instant barbacue you become when the "in cab " fuel tank sprays you with Shell Premium!! Instant SHISHKEBAB!!! Seriously, a valid concern and one best addressed by getting the later steering column and moving that tank to the rear under the floor of the bed. Also a good idea to use a 72 glue on rear view mirror verses the 67-71 meat hook mounted mirror.

02-01-2003, 11:18 AM	#7
Desert Rat Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Darrington, Washington Posts: 3,963	whats wrong with Chevrolet Division or a Bowtie imprinted on your chest? If your hit that hard,i think your collapsible column shaft will only give you a few more seconds before it blows through your chest,but a later shaft is readily available in trillions of our trucks and available in every junkyard,and probably by every member of the board,i probably have a few stuffed inbetween boxes and crates and junk to.



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