Van tilt intermediate shaft

[mccollum007]

So I recently picked up a used van tilt off eBay as my original 70 column was a non tilt floor shift model. The column did not come with the intermediate shaft though. My question is is it possible to adapt my original shaft to the van tilt or do I need to find one from a van or is there some other option that would be better than either of those options? I've upgraded my gear box to a 73+ quick ratio box if this makes a difference as well. Any help on all this would be much appreciated!

[Orange71shorty]

Originally Posted by mccollum007

So I recently picked up a used van tilt off eBay as my original 70 column was a non tilt floor shift model. The column did not come with the intermediate shaft though. My question is is it possible to adapt my original shaft to the van tilt or do I need to find one from a van or is there some other option that would be better than either of those options? I've upgraded my gear box to a 73+ quick ratio box if this makes a difference as well. Any help on all this would be much appreciated!

You can easily modify your existing one. Drill out the nylon that is injected in the hole of the shaft. I used a small bolt in the hole of mine once it’s shortened

[pjmoreland]

You will need to collapse your intermediate shaft. Information can be found here:

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=133937

[mccollum007]

I appreciate the quick responses! Glad to know I don't have to fork over more for a new shaft. I wasn't sure if I'd run into any issues mating all three components with spline count, etc. Column seems to be tight so it may be as simple as replacing levers, turn signal switch and repainting.

[custom10nut]

So, let me get this straight, to make sure I’m reading this right.
The Van tilt column collapsible portion is (about) 2 1/2 inches longer than a standard non-tilt Truck column. Am I correct in saying that?
This being said, one could cut 2 3/4 inches off the end (male portion) of a Van Tilt, to be able to fit into a Truck. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Of course I know that the other minor mods need to be done for the wiring and lights.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by custom10nut

So, let me get this straight, to make sure I’m reading this right.
The Van tilt column collapsible portion is (about) 2 1/2 inches longer than a standard non-tilt Truck column. Am I correct in saying that?
This being said, one could cut 2 3/4 inches off the end (male portion) of a Van Tilt, to be able to fit into a Truck. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Of course I know that the other minor mods need to be done for the wiring and lights.

If you cut the shaft it would need to be re-splined.

[custom10nut]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

If you cut the shaft it would need to be re-splined.

I guess I’m using the wrong word.
I’m referring to the portions that slide into each other, not the Splined end that the Rag Joint goes on.

There’s the lower section, which is a round rod, with two machined flat sides, and it slides into the upper section, which is the Tube with the two flat sides to match the lower sections shape.
So to modify the Van tilt, am I correct in saying that the lower portion rod needs to be shorted 2 3/4 inches, opposite the splined end?

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by custom10nut

I guess I’m using the wrong word.
I’m referring to the portions that slide into each other, not the Splined end that the Rag Joint goes on.

There’s the lower section, which is a round rod, with two machined flat sides, and it slides into the upper section, which is the Tube with the two flat sides to match the lower sections shape.
So to modify the Van tilt, am I correct in saying that the lower portion rod needs to be shorted 2 3/4 inches, opposite the splined end?

I believe vans don't use an intermediate shaft. The rag joint attaches directly to the bottom end of the upper shaft. The intermediate shaft being discussed in this thread that needs to be collapsed is a stock truck intermediate shaft.