AD steering column conversion

[antiwork]

I've looked all over and can't seem to find what I need here. I have a 53 Chevy truck that I'm in the middle of installing a Jag IFS in. I've seen plenty of build threads that talk about re-using the stock column by cutting it off near the box, then installing some sort of bearing/sleeve in the bottom to locate the shaft. What I haven't been able to find is quite what I need for this, or where to get it. Anyone have a part number or something?

[mr48chev]

The bearing will probably have to be found by measurements although you might adapt a bearing from a a later car or truck steering column.

I think what most guys are doing is finding a bearing that fits inside the tube and around the shaft that is sealed on both sides. you will need to figure out how to hold the bearing in place in the tube but that shouldn't be too hard.
You will have to cut the shaft and tube off the gear box long enough so that you can shorten the tube so a few inches of the shaft stick out for the joint you use can slip on the shaft. Then you will either have to have the shaft cut for a key or do something so that the joint will safely stay in place and not come loose when you drive. I don't view welding as an option there. It isn't hard but there are several steps involved.

[duwem]

There are companies that sell bearing kits just for this purpose. I'm sure someone will chime in.

[Russell Ashley]

CPP makes them, they call it a Column Saver kit. It's an aluminum hub and comes with two flat bearings and collars. Works very nicely. I got mine at Tuckers but since they are from CPP they are probably available at lots of places.

[booger1949]

i installed a clip from a 81 malibu onto my 49 chevy truck. i cut the bottom of my steerin an used the malibu steering rod, it slid right on mine just like it was made to do that. i cut the bottom of the malibu steering housing an welded it to mine, i then took the bottom bearing out an slide the two steerin shafts together, i then welded an drilled the shaft an put a grade 8 bolt an put it all back together an u cant even tell that any thing was done, so i kept my old steerin column

[nacho55]

I used a flange bearing that has set screws that I found on the internet, it has a 1/2" I'd which is the same as the shaft once you cut off the part that goes in the steering box, I cut mine long so I had room for adjusting, after I mocked it up the way I liked it I cut it so there was only a few inches coming out of the firewall, then ground a "D" into the inner shaft and put my joints on from there. Make sure you use or make something to attach the column to the floor as well.
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