Measuring a steering column

[Roc]

Building a 70 C10 stepside and at the point I'm going to replace the steering column and steering wheel...problem is that I have no idea what length column to use...does it matter if it's a 28", 30", or 32"?? Personal preference? Or is there some difference in the year models that I don't know about?

Any general knowledge on this would be much appreciated!

Thank you

[dmjlambert]

Where are you finding columns that come in different lengths?

[Roc]

Jegs, summit, cj pony parts, google...I think they are all mostly universals, but I'm having a hard time stomaching a $600 bill from LMC and Brothers...

[dmjlambert]

Oh, I see. Thanks. I learned something today. It never occurred to me somebody might put a universal steering column in one of these trucks.

[Andy4639]

You are limited to how much room you have to play with as far inside the cab. On a stock steering column automatic the NSS is down by the fire wall so you can move it a lot but there is some room.

Just depends on the column and how it's made. I have a couple of 3 speed column out of the trucks if you want some measurements.
One is out of a 68 step I'm building and the other I'm not sure but it is a 67/72 model though.

[LS short box]

I did a Ididit column in my 68 C10. I'm not entirely happy with it. The stock column has a notch or hole that locates the column with the band clamp under the instrument panel. The Ididit column did not have that. Had to make my own.The Ididit column was too long overall. The stock steering shaft from the steering sector to the stock steering column is designed to compress on impact. The Ididit column listed for C10's only allows for maybe 1" of collapse? If I did it again I would still use Ididt but order a column that allows for more collapse. I like Ididit. Have used them a number of times. US made but I think they missed the mark on this one.

[Roc]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

You are limited to how much room you have to play with as far inside the cab. On a stock steering column automatic the NSS is down by the fire wall so you can move it a lot but there is some room.

Just depends on the column and how it's made. I have a couple of 3 speed column out of the trucks if you want some measurements.
One is out of a 68 step I'm building and the other I'm not sure but it is a 67/72 model though.

Thanks for the info guys...Andy if you get a chance I would greatly appreciate a measurement...I'm ready to pull the trigger, I just don't like doing things twice and I hate wasting money😬

[Andy4639]

Originally Posted by Roc

Thanks for the info guys...Andy if you get a chance I would greatly appreciate a measurement...I'm ready to pull the trigger, I just don't like doing things twice and I hate wasting money😬

Well it will be a while. I'm 5 hrs away and want be back for 2 weeks. Sorry. I'll try and get them then though.

[dozerbill72]

Length of housing is 32.5" and over all length is right at 36". Some thing to consider is alot of people have slid the column down a inch or two and installed a smaller wheel. By doing that it will move it out of your chest but closer to your lap. Just more things to confuse you, so good luck.

[OL SKOOL]

Why don't you buy a factory column. There are several on the parts for sale board. Can't go wrong with oem.