Shorter Steering Column?

[rydog1130]

Is there a thread on customizing ie shortening the length of a steering column? If not does anyone know of a column that's shorter so the steering wheel sits a little closer to the dash? I tried searching but couldn't find anything...tia

 

[71broncman]

http://www.broncofix.com/viewtopic.php?t=270380
Some info here. The truck columns are shorter, but some mods are needed to make it work.
Mark.

 

[hammer189]

I bought the Summit Racing 2" dia.steering column in 30" length. Stock is 32" I believe. WH and others make the mounts necessary to mounta 2" dia column. Stock is 2.25" I'm 6'3" so I wanted a little more room.
https://www.summitracing.com/ga/parts/sum-771713b-nk/overview/
David

 

[migs]

With a collapsible shaft it should be as simple as cutting the mounting bracket off the column and welding it back on where you want... simple that is assuming a floor shifter. Using the column shift linkage might require some extra thought depending how far it's moved.
Would also have to check for any clearance issues pushing the column further into the engine compartment.

A flatter steering wheel will get you closer to the dash as well. With the 15" one I installed I actually had to bend the turn signal switch arm back as it was too close to the wheel.

 

[75MIKE]

What color did you go with when you painted your column? Is that the factory dark Charcoal metallic?

 

[migs]

What color did you go with when you painted your column? Is that the factory dark Charcoal metallic?

Me? that one in the pictures there I had powder coated in semi flat black.

 

[rydog1130]

all good tips! thanks...i may need the extra space with my transfer seat and 2" can make a huge difference!

 

[SevenT]

Shorter Steering Column

Hammer189,

I really like the look of the column from Summit. Where did you get the steering shaft from that connects the column to the steering box? Thanks in advance.

v/r,

SevenT

 

[hammer189]

Hammer189,

I really like the look of the column from Summit. Where did you get the steering shaft from that connects the column to the steering box? Thanks in advance.

v/r,

SevenT

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Custom_Lower_Steering_Shaft/Bronco_Steering_Shafts
GOt it from WH. This thing is a piece of art. I have a stock '76 steering box and the column used a 1" DD fitting. Only thing the steering shaft needs is a black zip tie/clamp on the slide shaft boot to hold the top side in place.
David

 

[mrdrnac]

Shortened Column

I shortened my existing column by cutting the bearing end off and re-welding it on with a section removed, and then relocated the dash mounting bracket, and used a flat dish steering wheel. Needed all the room I could get in a short cab! But that was done 40 years ago, not a lot of options back then other than do it yourself, still works.

 

[rydog1130]

I shortened my existing column by cutting the bearing end off and re-welding it on with a section removed, and then relocated the dash mounting bracket, and used a flat dish steering wheel. Needed all the room I could get in a short cab! But that was done 40 years ago, not a lot of options back then other than do it yourself, still works.

Nice, I might end up going with a tilt IDIDIT ....

 

[jperry1290]

Someone on here did a thread I think it’s something similar to “clean steering column”. It looks really good. I pulled my old three on the tree column and removed the linkage after converting to a NP435. I did not shorten the column but I did cut the 3/4 rod way shorter and added a custom collapsible shaft

 

[gclauson]

I got a column from about a 1964 or 1965 Ford pickup. It was 2 or 3 inches shorter than my 1966 Bronco's column. I had to cut the spot welds on the bracket and re-weld it t so that the steering wheel was closer to the dash.

I used a LeCarra wheel and with its adapter, it is shorter than the OEM wheel's dish. Had to bend the turn signal switch handle, as described above.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[rydog1130]

Thinking about 2 options here:
Cutting 2-3" off column and re-welding it back together or relocating bracket on the column and lengthen shift linkage or getting an aftermarket shift linkage from WH and use a collapsable lower shaft. I think id still have room and the shift arm off the tube will not hit the block or headers.

Thoughts?


https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/produ...ift-Linkage-Kit/Bronco_Automatic_Transmission

 

[rydog1130]

I finally got around to this and did what Migs suggested. I didn't want to go to a floor shifter so i cut the shift linkage tab on the column and made a 2" piece of steel the same width and welded it in-between the two parts which moved the hole for the linkage back to its original spot.

 

[PCB 4x4]

We use a 2 inch column that's 28 inches long on all our builds. We make all the parts to install it

 

[nvrstuk]

Shortened Column

I shortened my existing column by cutting the bearing end off and re-welding it on with a section removed, and then relocated the dash mounting bracket, and used a flat dish steering wheel. Needed all the room I could get in a short cab! But that was done 40 years ago, not a lot of options back then other than do it yourself, still works.

Wow, never seen a Bronco strg wheel so close to the windshield. I'm sure it works great for ya!
i went with a shorter column when I got tired of replacing brgs & wiring harnesses in the oddball year '74 column I had. Went Ididit so I could have a chev column so I wouldn't have to replace any of the worthless Ford blinker switches anymore. Aftermarket ones are worse than Motorcraft.

I Lengthened my half cab so I could sit comfortably.

 

[73azbronco]

I went tilt, that solved all my big guy getting in and out issues.

 

[nvrstuk]

Just a heads up for the few that drive a LOT & don't do what I do (usually my best advice).

Don't paint your unpainted Ididit or other unpainted column if you ever go close to the ocean. The morning mist after 2 wks started it rusting on the inside & it worked it's way around the edges where it can be seen. I cleared mine- did it right as there's no rust anywhere on the outside but you can see where the rust started where the Iwata couldn't reach so... get it powder coated or go SS & spend the big coin to not have it flash.

My Solara bucket headrest rails are fugly now also. Those are much easier to brighten again tho...
Just .02