I've just inherited a very nice 2003 F150 supercab, bench seat. Although I'm verY tall, the steering wheel is too close to the dash and even with pulling up the seat AND putting a pillow behind my back, I have to reach for the wheel. Any more than an hour's driving and my shoulders ache. Is there a way to extend the steering column? I measured on my old Dodge 1988 and the steering wheel sits much closer to the seat so I'm not just imagining it!

 

It would be a big project to lengthen the assembly with all the control wiring, shifter control, ignition switch rod, outer tube etc. and make sure no welds would break.
Take some time to figure out a steering wheel extension off/or from the stock wheel a few inches using 4 to 5 metal standoffs to a steering wheel outer rim from some appreciate source.
This way you eliminate all the work, keep the air bag, Cruise Control and Horn functions that all would have to be addressed otherwise and could be a safety and inspection factor..
Good luck.

 

Thank you! Could you be a bit more specific about what I would look for? I am not mechanical and will need to ask someone to help me. Would there be some standard piece that Ford manufactures? Sorry I if I sound dense about this.

 

I have never heard of a FORD option for this.
Basically a good sturdy outer ring of the same or close in diameter with the center and spokes removed back to the inside of the ring and smoothed would be the consideration.
Metal standoffs clamped on the existing ring spaced outward to clamp on the new ring.
3/4 to 1 inch square alum stock machined and fitted with a flat clamping or bolt on arrangement on both ends in at least 4 locations.
It needs to be well thought out for strength, no sharp edges, and safety to allow the AIR bag to function, access to the Horn and Cruise Controls without any blocking interference in the center area..
Higher end competition steering wheels are available for racing applications that would be good candidates for this once you find someone you can trust to do the design and execution once they understand what and how you propose to have it done.
The end result should allow you elbows to be near 90 degree bend for max steering control. Not to close or to far from the outer wheel.
If your arms are too straight you have less control. If bent to much you hit your elbows on your own rib cage and stop steering control at some point
Good luck.