I have a 1954 GMC 100 and the steering column is just too long and I would like to use a different steering wheel....Maybe my gut is just too big..any help would be great..Can the steering column be cut? Thanks PS I ordered a steering wheel from Classic Parts and it will make things worse unless the column is shorter..
if you are using different steering, yes you cut it off at the end and shorten it to fit your needs. if you are using the stock set up, you can shorten the tube and the shaft to needed dimensions, then weld them back together. make shure your welding skills are up to the task.
I have also heard of shortening the column by cutting out the desired amount, then installing a bearing at the end of the tube, grind the shaft into a d shape, then install a Borgenson u- joint. I am considering this myself, as I want the stock look, but think the column is too far away from the dash. I've heard this works well for all types of steering setups, while keeping the stock column. The bearing is available at several sites....Mike
Mike, I did almost exactly what you describe when I connected my steering column to the '79 Chevy p/u front suspension I put on my truck. I had to mount the power steering box on the outside of the frame, and had a Borgenson joint on the column connected to a round rod going through the inner fender to another Borgenson joint connected to the steering box. Works great. You really don't have to grind your round steering shaft into the "D" shape. Borgenson joints are available in several configurations....you can get them with both ends round, both ends with the D, or one end round with a D on the other end. I used a round/round on the shaft itself, and a round/D at the steering box.
Quit too soon! BTW, you will need a bearing inside the steering shaft tube to keep the shaft centered. I went to a lawn mower parts department and got a spindle bearing for a mower deck with the correct inside and outside diameters. You are right, the steering wheel is too far away from the dash. Hard for a fat boy to get comfortable with that steering wheel so close. When it warms up, I plan to take mine off and cut about 3-4" off to make a little extra room.
My truck had an after-market wheel on it when I got it and it was soooo far away from the dash that I could not figure out how I was going to drive it at all. Then I got the parts truck with the correct steering wheel in it. Seems the offset on the after-market wheel was WAY different than stock. I see you said you ordered a wheel from CP. Maybe you are having the same problem as me. As soon as I installed the stock wheel which has no off-set to speak of, it gave me a lot more room, especially with the seat all the way back. You may be pleasantly surprised when you put the new wheel on and think twice about cutting the column down. You may have plenty of room even if you're a little big aroung the middle. Remember, these are farm trucks and there are some pretty big farmers out there. I'm sure that most of those farmers fit behind the wheels of their trucks when they bought them. Of course, if your truck is fitted with a V8 and non-stock steering, it doesn't really matter what you do with the column. But if it is a stock engine and suspension set-up, you should be able to leave it stock with the new wheel and save the time and effort of cutting down the column. Andy
You should be able to pull the steering box/shaft/tube assembly out of the truck. Take the tube off the shaft and shorten the shaft and tube a like amount. When I pull the column out of the 48 I can check for sure but that won't be for a few weeks.It's 9 degrees F outside right now so I won't be doing a lot outside for a few days. I think a guy can cut and weld the shaft and then slip a short piece of tubing over it and weld that on both ends Keeping it straight would be a challenge but it can be done. Then slip the shortened column tube back over the shaft and install it back in the truck.
If i recall correctly there are 4 bolts on top of the box that allow the steering tube to come off. Since there is a brass collar at the steering wheel end you would either have to drive it out, shorten the tube and replace it or take a section out of the tube below where the horn wire comes out. As far as cutting and rewelding the shaft I think it would be good to reinforce it with a tube over it like Chop said. The main thing I think would be to take the same amount out of the steering tube and shaft just to make sure everything lined up right at the steering wheel end. Gater
The horn contact/ bearing at the top of the shaft is a press in unit. It will pry out, and I recomend replacing it if you do. Mark your column in relation to the lower dash mount before you start. Remove the whole steering box/ column out of the truck in one piece out through the driver's wheel well. Once out, remove the 4 bolts connecting the shaft to the box, and you can slide the column off of the shaft. leave the shaft attached to the box, because it is a pain to get it back in. Re install the column in relation to the mark you made on the column mount. Now hold the wheel up to the shaft, and slide the shaft down to the point that the steering wheel is comfortable. Mark this point, measure the distance to the first mark, pop out the upper bearing and cut off that amount. now the tricky part...cut the same amount off of the shaft , make very square cuts, and grind the edges of the shaft at about 45 degree angles, in order to get beter penetration during welding. weld the splined end back to the shaft, checking to make sure it is true. Now install the new upper bearing in the column, slide the column over the shaft, bolt down and install the whole assembly back into the truck. Now you have more room to expand your belt line a little further if needed.
I also am gravity challenged I wondered about putting a smaller steering wheel on just for some extra room but I think I need the larger wheel for leverage to make it easier to steer. does that sound right? Larryd
