van Column/truck column shaft

For those of you that have put in a van steering column in our trucks. What did you have to modify or change to put it in? Aren't the Van columns longer then out truck columns by 3-4''? So the steering shaft would have to be changed out? What about the # of splines, spline diameter, and the ragjoint. Obviously a new ragjoint is needed but I can't remember what else needs to be changed over. I'm excited b/c its from a van from our years 67-72 and it has CRUISE control on the turn signal lever...........

[sixnine]

The van column should eliminate the rag joint. It did on mine. The shaft coming from the steering box should have a spline joint that the steering shaft from the van column should slide into. There are two spots on the bottom half of the steering shaft from the van column that need to be drilled out. They may be hard to spot, but they are there. The van column is built to collapse into itself in the event of a collision. That is the reason the bottom half is larger than the upper half. By drilling out the two spots, you will be able to tap the lower half into the upper half until the shaft is the correct length. You will also need to cut a slot in the tube of the column to relocate the safety switch. If not, you won't be able to hook it up. I have a picture of this. I don't know why I didn't take pictures of the rest of the process! PM me if you have more questions, I'm on my way out the door now though.

[sixnine]

sorry......in a hurry!...........

[Longhorn Man]

Drilling out the nylon plugs is not needed. Just tap the shaft on the ground. They are designed to break easily.
The van column is only one to two inches longer if memory serves...maybe 3. But it isn't much.
Does your truck have cruise? If id doesn't, what are you going to use the 3 position switch for?

[Tx Firefighter]

Smack it down on the sidewalk to collapse it a couple of inches. No tools required.