How to custom fit a steering column....

or, here is how street rodders hack up their trucks.
I am extending my previous column by about 1 1/2 inches. I am using the column from a junkyard truck.

First, pull the column....duh...

Next, cut the outer column tube to length using a sawzall or grinder with a cut off wheel. make sure you cut it straight.


Now cut the inner shaft about 3" longer. (I welded an extension to mine because the steering wheel nut was messed up on the new one)


Find a bearing that fits into the tube and fits the shaft. I plug weld the bearing to the tube...go slow so you don't melt the bearing...


now clean your shaft...no dirty comments here, please...and get ready for paint. Here we have the shaft and tube side by side...


Grind the end of the shaft into a "DD" shape for the u joint to attatch to.


Hopefully tommorrow I will finish up. stay tuned for the reveting conclusion, same bat time, same bat channel......

I'm out,
Russ

Interesting Thread....

Keep it coming .

Nice sanitary work, Russ. One thing we do different is to weld a nut for a set screw (or two) on the column tube to retain the bearing. A small flat groove the size of the set screw point holds the bearing without welding and it is removable. Here is a stock AD column and upper shaft adapted to the S10 lower shaft.

That works also.....looks like you may need to give that upper valve train a little lovin'

O.k, now lets paint and mount the column....


I previously made up a bottom mount and sheetmetal cover. I like the column to barely protrude through the firewall....


Now make up the rest of the shaft assembly. Mock up the linkage using 3/4" dowels and duct tape. once you have the measurements, call and order the parts. I used 1 "DD" to "DD" joint for the column side, 12" "DD" shaft, 1 "DD" to weld on joint, about 6" round shaft, and a weld on to splined joint...



Once everything is connected, determine where to mount the hiem joint, which is needed to support the center section if more that 2 u joints are used. Cut a mount out of steel, drill for the threaded shaft, weld to frame...


Now paint the assembly and drive the snot out of it.....