So, I am getting to installing the new shift column in my 56 so we can move it for another project.. this is a 30 shift column.. where have you guys set the drop relative to the column body? on my 55 the body almost touches the drop. On the 56 this seems way too low.. pic later today

Sam

 

Sam the 4 1/2" drop I got from MF is swivel and should allow you numberous angle options for the column. Yours on the 55 looks the same and you feel that won't work?

 

Not the question. How far on your column to the drop? 2 inches? 3?

Sam

 

Sam, I've got a tilt only, 32" column tied to MII rack on a Heidt (sp?) IFS, standard bench seat, and 4" swivel drop... everything sits/feels/looks good for me (I', 6' 3" tall if that makes any difference) and the distance from the collar on the drop to the bell cover below the tilt is pretty close to 2-3/4" inches, to answer your specific question.


I only provided all that cause it may make a difference in both physical constraints (connecting to steering gear, firewall/floor hole, etc.) and aesthetic preferences (arm position, view of gauges, knee clearance, etc.)

I can take pic tonite if that would help.

Cheers... Brian

 

thats perfect info! thanks (I'm 6'2" so I got the same issues)

doah!.. forgot to take pics while in the shop..

I have a 30in column, shift and tilt. I removed a floor shift column, also 30 in..

set the lower collar and the drop in roughly the same places and didn't have enough to reconnect the MII linkage..
doah .. if only I hadn't cut it til I was more finished.. that 4 inches of now scrap would yield the 1 inch I need..

So.. moved the column down a little.. about 2 inches from bell to drop..

I have a 4.5in drop and i think it is too long.. the PO had a 5-1/2 inch drop installed.. I will be adding the dash extension, which I think
forces the drop to the front edge of the dash vs the stock rear edge/back of midline. so I'll probably have to get a shorter drop..
need the steering wheel and column adapter before I go too far..

anyhow, linkage connected, column positioned, power steering and tranny lines connected.. need a little hose to bypass the heater output..
and some remote brake master fill hoses.. then can finish the brake lines.

I picked up one of the lokar solid rod shift linkages for the auto tranny, but see that the under floor brakes will be in the way.. so I just ordered
the cable shift to column linkage so I can avoid this whole mess. So many interconnected things..

gotta get it driveable (well, under its own power) this week so we can move it out to start a holidays teardown/build up of my sons 69 C10..
all new airbagged suspension, drop spindles, disk brakes all around, and a drivetrain replace/upgrade to a 5.3l EFI chevy/od tranny..
plan to pull the bed off friday so we can get access to the frame easier.. and the front clip will come off too..

poor little straight 6 coming out!..

Sam

 

Sam..I'm 6' and using a 30" flaming river tilt and the measurement on mine is 2-3/4" from the bottom of the dash to the center of the column. Bill

 

cool.. how far from the top face of the drop (where the column goes thru) to the bottom of the bell on the steering equipment? how much of the column is exposed above the drop?

Sam

 

OK that's two trips to the garage..you owe me :-) 4" from the face of the drop to the bottom of the bell. The Flaming River bell to steering hub is a bit shorter than some others. I'm using a flat wheel also. Bill

 

Here's the back side

 

the column top seems down too low..
note that this has a Grant wheel and only 2-3/8 inch adapter.

have to take new pics with the camera, these with the phone stink

Sam

 

I'm no expert... a couple observations compared to my installation... the end of my column protrudes the motor bay side of the firewall half as much as yours, so I assume my intermediate D-shaft is longer that yours (can measure tonite if interested)... second, the picture looks as if the column is not perpendicular to the plane of the firewall hole, the column appears to tilt at a "negative" angle toward the floor... and lastly, I think your column drop is too long by about an inche.

Still guessing, but if you could mock it up as if you had a longer D-shaft (+1" maybe more), and bring the column "thru-angle" more perpedicular to the floor, you might find the drop should be closer to 3", maybe 3-1/2", and the position of the wheel more to your liking. The distance between the top of the drop and the bottom of the column bell will be more like some of the other feedback you've received here so far.

Cheers... Brian

 

thanks for the great feedback.. i posted better pics..

the column sticks thru the firewall 2 inches.

I agree the drop looks too long.. but the recommended is 4.5 and this is 4.5...

the shift arm almost hits the dash in Park as it is..

anyone do the fiberglass dash extension that MF sells? I think its a xmas present standing in the corner over there. I think this forces the drop to move to the front edge.. eliminating 1/2 inch or more of drop room.. (so if u needed a 4 in before, you would need a 3.5 in to be in the same place.)..

and there is a little sloppiness on the column base, as the PO cut the hole too high.. I think the floor plate is also a present (hey, I made a list!.. they told me they didn't get me the 1 piece window kit.. booooo!)..

but having not done a 56 before, I'm not sure where the wheel should be relative to anything..

Sam

 

got the dash extension for XMAS, and 4.5 is required!..

also got the access panel cover, which positions the column base at the top of the access panel.. moved the column more inside the truck..
think I can get another 1/2 inch..

Sam

 

I did the same as you did at the floor instead of going thru the original column hole I moved it up and cut a new hole. I had to use a support bearing with my linkage because my headers dump out further back then yours.



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