I have a '88 Ranger Auto in the floor. My top bearing is shot and I have to rebuild the column. At the same time I would like to shorten the column by about an 1". These columns are long and don't give you alot of room for seat adjustment. Anyone ever shortened a non tilt column? Looks like it would be simple enough.

 

i have never shorten a column but i just had to rebuild mine in a '87 and i learned that the center shaft (the part i had to replace) is in two pieces, one siding over the other as much as a foot. i guess for safety in case of an impact it can collapse and not crush your chest. so there is a lot room for shorter there. but just the way it is stock, where it couples to the box, the shaft slides up or down by a least an inch. i think the flange that bolts to your firewall (the outer casing) is going to be your big issue.