has anyone shortened up steering column? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**yote1234** · 05-06-2006, 07:03 PM

i was wondering if anyone here has shortened up the steering column? my tilt column is a little close and has about 1.5" that could be shortened..it would give me more cab room..thanx...

70short/step · 05-06-2006, 07:52 PM

Check the FAQ section. It has been done there a few times. Not Hard to do.

**yote1234** · 05-06-2006, 08:18 PM

i tried..keeps comming up empty....

TugOwar · 05-06-2006, 08:59 PM

Again, lotsa good info here

The post states that the steering wheel can be moved closer to the dash but doesn't go into detail on how it is done. I'll keep checking the faq.

cdowns · 05-06-2006, 09:23 PM

the intermediate shaft between the steering box and the column has a pin that can be removed shortening the shaft allowing the column to b moved foward

Bob Moore · 05-07-2006, 01:44 AM

About 2 months ago IIR Putter posted a "subtle" modification on this topic. The thread showed how to cut a longer slot on the top of the tube to allow the entire column to be pushed further away from the driver. There is an indexing tit on the bottom of the brake pedal assembly that retains the column for and aft and also prevents the rotation of the column. His thread showed how to extend the slot to allow movement of the column.

The biggest problem associated with this is the shift linkage. If you move the column 1 1/2 to 2 inches away shift linkage must be dealt with accordingly. In the stock configuration the shift rod is to the front of the shift arm. By simply removing the stud, rotating it to the rear and reinstalling you can gain 1 1/4 inch. Additional gain could probably be made by gently bending the shift arm on the column.

The "famous" intermediate shaft must also be dealt with. If you are installing a van tilt and then recessing it even more wait until you get the final location before you measure the collapse. Remember the van is about 2 1/2 inches longer than a non-tilt and a "true" truck tilt. Add your additional movement to that to get your collapse.

Not too difficult to do.

Good luck - Bob

**yote1234** · 05-07-2006, 04:07 AM

great help...but,it looks as if it can be done while its in place..might not have to pull column..?

Putter · 05-08-2006, 09:17 AM

Correct. You do not actually have to pull the column. When I did Subtle's, I did have to remove the intermediate shaft to hit it with a hammer (collapse the shaft a few inches). But the column can be left in the truck.
Here is the link:
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=subtle+change
Hope it answers a few questions you have.

**yote1234** · 05-08-2006, 11:32 PM

thanx putter..but if you drill and colaps it,what does that do to the column? can it loosen it up any? causind a vibration,or rattle?or cause a malfunction at all? ....thanx,dave...

ps. "more cowbell" that was great!

05-06-2006, 07:03 PM	#1
yote1234 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gold Canyon Arizona Posts: 4,363	has anyone shortened up steering column? i was wondering if anyone here has shortened up the steering column? my tilt column is a little close and has about 1.5" that could be shortened..it would give me more cab room..thanx... __________________ 1971 K5 CST Blazer 1951 -3100 5 window short bed 4sp 1965 Chevelle Malibu 283 (sadly sold) 1968 Camaro 327 1968 Honda mini-trail z50a #377 1966 uh 1-D Huey

05-06-2006, 07:52 PM	#2
70short/step Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 1,579	Re: has anyone shortened up steering column? Check the FAQ section. It has been done there a few times. Not Hard to do. __________________ For every person with a spark of genius, There are a hundred with ignition trouble. 70 Short/Step

05-06-2006, 08:18 PM	#3
yote1234 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gold Canyon Arizona Posts: 4,363	Re: has anyone shortened up steering column? i tried..keeps comming up empty.... __________________ 1971 K5 CST Blazer 1951 -3100 5 window short bed 4sp 1965 Chevelle Malibu 283 (sadly sold) 1968 Camaro 327 1968 Honda mini-trail z50a #377 1966 uh 1-D Huey

05-06-2006, 08:59 PM	#4
TugOwar Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pleasanton, TX Posts: 1,723	Re: has anyone shortened up steering column? Again, lotsa good info here The post states that the steering wheel can be moved closer to the dash but doesn't go into detail on how it is done. I'll keep checking the faq.

05-06-2006, 09:23 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: has anyone shortened up steering column? the intermediate shaft between the steering box and the column has a pin that can be removed shortening the shaft allowing the column to b moved foward __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

05-07-2006, 01:44 AM	#6
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	Re: has anyone shortened up steering column? About 2 months ago IIR Putter posted a "subtle" modification on this topic. The thread showed how to cut a longer slot on the top of the tube to allow the entire column to be pushed further away from the driver. There is an indexing tit on the bottom of the brake pedal assembly that retains the column for and aft and also prevents the rotation of the column. His thread showed how to extend the slot to allow movement of the column. The biggest problem associated with this is the shift linkage. If you move the column 1 1/2 to 2 inches away shift linkage must be dealt with accordingly. In the stock configuration the shift rod is to the front of the shift arm. By simply removing the stud, rotating it to the rear and reinstalling you can gain 1 1/4 inch. Additional gain could probably be made by gently bending the shift arm on the column. The "famous" intermediate shaft must also be dealt with. If you are installing a van tilt and then recessing it even more wait until you get the final location before you measure the collapse. Remember the van is about 2 1/2 inches longer than a non-tilt and a "true" truck tilt. Add your additional movement to that to get your collapse. Not too difficult to do. Good luck - Bob __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow

05-07-2006, 04:07 AM	#7
yote1234 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gold Canyon Arizona Posts: 4,363	Re: has anyone shortened up steering column? great help...but,it looks as if it can be done while its in place..might not have to pull column..? __________________ 1971 K5 CST Blazer 1951 -3100 5 window short bed 4sp 1965 Chevelle Malibu 283 (sadly sold) 1968 Camaro 327 1968 Honda mini-trail z50a #377 1966 uh 1-D Huey

05-08-2006, 09:17 AM	#8
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Re: has anyone shortened up steering column? Correct. You do not actually have to pull the column. When I did Subtle's, I did have to remove the intermediate shaft to hit it with a hammer (collapse the shaft a few inches). But the column can be left in the truck. Here is the link: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=subtle+change Hope it answers a few questions you have. __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket** Last edited by Putter; 05-08-2006 at 09:18 AM.

05-08-2006, 11:32 PM	#9
yote1234 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Gold Canyon Arizona Posts: 4,363	Re: has anyone shortened up steering column? thanx putter..but if you drill and colaps it,what does that do to the column? can it loosen it up any? causind a vibration,or rattle?or cause a malfunction at all? ....thanx,dave... ps. "more cowbell" that was great! __________________ 1971 K5 CST Blazer 1951 -3100 5 window short bed 4sp 1965 Chevelle Malibu 283 (sadly sold) 1968 Camaro 327 1968 Honda mini-trail z50a #377 1966 uh 1-D Huey



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.