Measuring a steering column - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Roc · 01-11-2020, 05:23 PM

Building a 70 C10 stepside and at the point I'm going to replace the steering column and steering wheel...problem is that I have no idea what length column to use...does it matter if it's a 28", 30", or 32"?? Personal preference? Or is there some difference in the year models that I don't know about?

Any general knowledge on this would be much appreciated!

Thank you

**dmjlambert** · 01-11-2020, 05:26 PM

Where are you finding columns that come in different lengths?

Roc · 01-11-2020, 05:31 PM

Jegs, summit, cj pony parts, google...I think they are all mostly universals, but I'm having a hard time stomaching a $600 bill from LMC and Brothers...

**dmjlambert** · 01-11-2020, 05:46 PM

Oh, I see. Thanks. I learned something today. It never occurred to me somebody might put a universal steering column in one of these trucks.

Andy4639 · 01-11-2020, 08:02 PM

You are limited to how much room you have to play with as far inside the cab. On a stock steering column automatic the NSS is down by the fire wall so you can move it a lot but there is some room.

Just depends on the column and how it's made. I have a couple of 3 speed column out of the trucks if you want some measurements.
One is out of a 68 step I'm building and the other I'm not sure but it is a 67/72 model though.

LS short box · 01-11-2020, 11:46 PM

I did a Ididit column in my 68 C10. I'm not entirely happy with it. The stock column has a notch or hole that locates the column with the band clamp under the instrument panel. The Ididit column did not have that. Had to make my own.The Ididit column was too long overall. The stock steering shaft from the steering sector to the stock steering column is designed to compress on impact. The Ididit column listed for C10's only allows for maybe 1" of collapse? If I did it again I would still use Ididt but order a column that allows for more collapse. I like Ididit. Have used them a number of times. US made but I think they missed the mark on this one.

Roc · 01-22-2020, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

You are limited to how much room you have to play with as far inside the cab. On a stock steering column automatic the NSS is down by the fire wall so you can move it a lot but there is some room.

Just depends on the column and how it's made. I have a couple of 3 speed column out of the trucks if you want some measurements.
One is out of a 68 step I'm building and the other I'm not sure but it is a 67/72 model though.

Thanks for the info guys...Andy if you get a chance I would greatly appreciate a measurement...I'm ready to pull the trigger, I just don't like doing things twice and I hate wasting money😬

Andy4639 · 01-22-2020, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roc

Thanks for the info guys...Andy if you get a chance I would greatly appreciate a measurement...I'm ready to pull the trigger, I just don't like doing things twice and I hate wasting money😬

Well it will be a while. I'm 5 hrs away and want be back for 2 weeks. Sorry. I'll try and get them then though.

**dozerbill72** · 01-22-2020, 06:56 PM

Length of housing is 32.5" and over all length is right at 36". Some thing to consider is alot of people have slid the column down a inch or two and installed a smaller wheel. By doing that it will move it out of your chest but closer to your lap. Just more things to confuse you, so good luck.

**OL SKOOL** · 01-22-2020, 07:42 PM

Why don't you buy a factory column. There are several on the parts for sale board. Can't go wrong with oem.

01-11-2020, 05:23 PM	#1
Roc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Newark, Texas Posts: 12	Measuring a steering column Building a 70 C10 stepside and at the point I'm going to replace the steering column and steering wheel...problem is that I have no idea what length column to use...does it matter if it's a 28", 30", or 32"?? Personal preference? Or is there some difference in the year models that I don't know about? Any general knowledge on this would be much appreciated! Thank you

01-11-2020, 05:26 PM	#2
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,859	Re: Measuring a steering column Where are you finding columns that come in different lengths?

01-11-2020, 05:31 PM	#3
Roc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Newark, Texas Posts: 12	Re: Measuring a steering column Jegs, summit, cj pony parts, google...I think they are all mostly universals, but I'm having a hard time stomaching a $600 bill from LMC and Brothers...

01-11-2020, 05:46 PM	#4
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,859	Re: Measuring a steering column Oh, I see. Thanks. I learned something today. It never occurred to me somebody might put a universal steering column in one of these trucks.

01-11-2020, 08:02 PM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Measuring a steering column You are limited to how much room you have to play with as far inside the cab. On a stock steering column automatic the NSS is down by the fire wall so you can move it a lot but there is some room. Just depends on the column and how it's made. I have a couple of 3 speed column out of the trucks if you want some measurements. One is out of a 68 step I'm building and the other I'm not sure but it is a 67/72 model though. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-11-2020, 11:46 PM	#6
LS short box Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Carlos MN Posts: 2,131	Re: Measuring a steering column I did a Ididit column in my 68 C10. I'm not entirely happy with it. The stock column has a notch or hole that locates the column with the band clamp under the instrument panel. The Ididit column did not have that. Had to make my own.The Ididit column was too long overall. The stock steering shaft from the steering sector to the stock steering column is designed to compress on impact. The Ididit column listed for C10's only allows for maybe 1" of collapse? If I did it again I would still use Ididt but order a column that allows for more collapse. I like Ididit. Have used them a number of times. US made but I think they missed the mark on this one.

01-22-2020, 06:56 PM	#9
dozerbill72 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Berryville Arkansas Posts: 402	Re: Measuring a steering column Length of housing is 32.5" and over all length is right at 36". Some thing to consider is alot of people have slid the column down a inch or two and installed a smaller wheel. By doing that it will move it out of your chest but closer to your lap. Just more things to confuse you, so good luck.

01-22-2020, 07:42 PM	#10
OL SKOOL Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: rochelle il. Posts: 355	Re: Measuring a steering column Why don't you buy a factory column. There are several on the parts for sale board. Can't go wrong with oem.



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