Ididit Steering Column Differences

[joesscamaro]

Good morning all. I'm looking to upgrade to an ididit column in my '65. I've found the column I thought would work but it seems long and may cause some comfort issues. I'm 6'4" and will be using bucket seats, so I'm trying to save every inch I can with the steering column. Ididit steering column p/n: 1140650010 is column shift with tilt but is 36" in length. Ididit steering column p/n: 1140658010 is column shift with tilt but is 30" and said to only be compatible with rack and pinion steering. I asked the Ididit rep I was talking to if I could make the shorter column work with power gearbox and all he would say is that there are differences that I wouldn't want to mess with. Does anyone know said differences? Will the shorter column work with the power steering gearbox that I'm running?

[The Rocknrod]

I think the power steering issue is with the spline at the bottom and in my opinion can be just a coupling change. I asked that same question to them also when I bought mine.
As for the shorter 30" unit the issue would be that there are no holes and fastener in the column to attach the two bolts in the stock location and maybe even the position of the switch down by the floorboard.
Check out my post on the column I purchased from them - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&postcount=278

[joesscamaro]

Thanks Rocknrod for the reply. I was wondering if that was more of a "liability" answer that I got from the Ididit guy or if there are significant differences and I couldn't actually use the 30" with the power gearbox. Like you said, it's a costly gamble to take if it doesn't work out. That 36" column is just going to be right in my chest I feel like.

[The Rocknrod]

I dont know, let me go take a measurement of the upper section from the dash to the end of the column. Give me a few minutes.

[joesscamaro]

The specs are the same for each column except for the "Fits Vehicle" column. The 1140658010 30" column just says it fits '67-'72.
1140650010 36" column:
Part#1140650010
Fits Vehicle: 1960 Chevrolet Truck
Fits Vehicle: 1961 Chevrolet Truck
Fits Vehicle: 1962 Chevrolet Truck
Fits Vehicle: 1963 Chevrolet Truck
Fits Vehicle: 1964 Chevrolet Truck
Fits Vehicle: 1965 Chevrolet Truck
Fits Vehicle: 1966 Chevrolet Truck
Lower Shaft: 3/4" 36
Straight or Tilt: 8-Position Tilt
Neutral Safety Switch: Yes
4-Way Flashers: Yes
Self-Canceling Turn Signals: Yes
Telescoping Head: No
Wire Plug: GM 3 7/8"
Horn: Yes
Gear Shift Indicator Included: No
Floor Mount Included: No
Knobs & Levers Included: Yes
Under Dash Mount Included: No
Collapsible: No
Lower Tube Diameter (in): 2 in
Upper Tube Diameter (in): 2 in
Upper Shaft: 69 to '94 GM Passenger Car
Shifter Location: Column Shift
Transmission: Auto

Maybe it is just a matter of fabricating the under dash mount.
Rocknrod, you mentioned the position of the switch down by the floorboard. What exactly is that switch?

[The Rocknrod]

Neutral Safety and backup switch, the pic of the column in my post shows it at the floorboard end of the the column.

[joesscamaro]

As far as the neutral safety switch and backup switch, I would think they could be interchangeable, agreed? I'm going to keep digging around online and maybe stumble across an answer.

[The Rocknrod]

So the column is 8-3/4" from bottom edge of the gauge panel to the end of the column itself. In that space you have a tilt and all included. Not sure how your gonna find a shorter one with all that included. I'd definitely go with tilt if my size was an issue.

[LVPhotos]

There is adjustments at the dash mount. The rack columns are shorter on firewall side. I had big guys drive mine with no issues. But I don't have the auto column. My original bench gives to us big boys. The tilt wheel is your best friend.

[LVPhotos]

Pics

[joesscamaro]

Thanks Rocknrod for the dimension check and LVPhotos for the input and pictures. I did speak to another Ididit rep and he did say that the difference in length is only on the under-hood portion of the column and not inside the cab. LVPhotos...thanks for re-iterating that...I didn't know that. With that said, the rep did say that if I went with a floor shift, that it would give me approximately 2 additional inches due to the lack of shifter portion on the column itself. Not sure that the 2" is worth it in my scenario. Hopefully some of this info will help others out in the future though.

[LVPhotos]

You could get a steering wheel that has no dish. My buddy is 6'4" has no issues. My seat gives. I Had 6'5 350# buddy take it for spin with no issues. And mine is a 3:1 manual rack, disconnected power brakes. There's plenty room.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/15-In...Wheel,891.html

[joesscamaro]

Yeah, I was just thinking about a wheel with no dish. That is definitely something I need to look into...thanks again!

[jweb]

I just contacted Ididit about this also. I was told the only difference is the length and you would need the shorter column to have room to connect to a rack. The 30" column has an 8 week lead time, the 36" is in stock on Summit.

I don't think either column will make much difference in the cab, the extra length will be from the dash to the steering gear.

Part# for 30" tilt, auto w/rack is 1140650110 . Looks like you had a different number listed.

[joesscamaro]

Jweb, thanks for the confirmation and clearing up my P/N confusion. I'll be going with the 36" column and just make it work as best I can with the steering wheel and the seats I end up going with. I need to measure our stock wheels because my original plan was to cut down the stock wheel a couple of inches +/- and use it. I definitely want to keep or use a wheel with a similar look to the original deluxe wheel if I can.

[LVPhotos]

Here's the stock wheel to IDIDIT video

https://youtu.be/GC7-yovCnFo

[jweb]

Originally Posted by LVPhotos

Here's the stock wheel to IDIDIT video

https://youtu.be/GC7-yovCnFo

I was told you don't need this ring with the direct fit column but you would on the universal columns. Also, the universal columns are 2.5" diameter, direct fit is 2".

[61hawk]

Originally Posted by jweb

I was told you don't need this ring with the direct fit column but you would on the universal columns. Also, the universal columns are 2.5" diameter, direct fit is 2".

Well you don't "need" it, but it looks a lot better with it.

[jweb]

Originally Posted by 61hawk

Well you don't "need" it, but it looks a lot better with it.

Good to know, I will order the ring once I decide on the column/ steering setup.
I plan to use a stock steering wheel.

[joesscamaro]

Thanks LV for the link!