Shortening steering column...?

[**grumpy**]

Im just full of crazy weird questions this week....

Anyone shortened their stock column to get it closer to dash??

Reason being..Im a big dude..

Im a Big Mac away from 340 and 6'1, so space is a premium.

Thats the reason behind the question about moving gastank out of cab, and changing to a newer lower seat.

But, also, the column to me sticks way out. After looking at it, it seems it could be moved in toward dash a couple inches.

Anyone done it? Or changed to another column that not a modern ugly column?

[c10Mang]

Here is what Shrunken66stoker said

"Hey, basically take the column out of the truck completely. Mine was already out since the truck was torn down to the frame. It will come out with the pedal assembly attached and you can leave it that way. It's probably easier to take the steering wheel off first and you'll need a wheel puller. I used my wheel puller that I pull off a harmonic balancer or dampener with. It's a universal kit that you can pick up at any parts store if you don't have one. After you pull the wheel off, pay attention to how everything comes apart. You'll have to take the turn signal off and the trim rings behind the wheel on the column will have to come off too. One of them has a slotted twist lock on the back of it so take note of how it unlocks and what position it's in so you can put it back on right. Be careful with the wires and harness connector too.
Now you have a bare column to work with. There's a 6 or 7" long collar that goes over the column with two screws in the bottom of it. A few inches of the bottom half will have to be cut out to fit back on right after you take the three inches out of the column.(see pics) There will be only one screw in it after you're finished. The column itself is just a straight three inch cut out. Take your time and make sure you have enough room for the trim ring that you cut to go back on with the screw in the bottom. I MIG welded the column back together and it was really simple. The weld is easy, just make sure the column is pretty straight and after your done it will be covered up anyways. Re-assemble everything in reverse order of how it came off and you're done.
If you have any other questions. I'll be around this weekend. This is a really long winded explanation of an easy job. The whole thing took maybe 2-3 hours total. I hope this helps."