Any one know a measurement for a Summit steering column. I have a 53 chassis with a 52 complete body. Going to lower my truck 4 inches with the Short and a Smooth mid 50 complete kit. Just want to know if there is a chart or something on the length of the column you need for a 4" drop??

 

Most here are going to tell you 30-32. Most guys will also probably tell you not to buy a summit brand column.............

 

Having said that, the IDIDT turn signal kit will work in the summit column. Kind of makes me wonder if they aren't a supplier for the cheaper columns or something.

 

What difference does the lowering drop make on the column length?
How are you putting 52 sheetmetal on a 53 chassis, the frame width is different in the front?

 

I bought the truck that way. The previous owner told me it was a 53 complete chassis wit a complete 52 body on it? Let me ask you dumb question, how can I tell if my chassis is a 53 for sure? Wats an easy check?

 

My bad I thought if I lowered it that it would make difference on my column length. I'm completely new at any lowering project. Thanks for the help

 

CV, naw, the Summit and the lower priced columns are made in China. There was an article floating around here put out by the Australian motor vehicle ministry or some such agency (they have banned those columns for use there) that had information on what the issues are with the import columns with pictures of the internals. They deemed the imported ones likely to fail and unsafe for use there and listed those sellers. I thought I had it bookmarked but I couldn't locate it just now. The two manufacturers I remember that passed their testing and are approved for use there there are Ididit and Flaming River.

 

The VIN should be stamped usually on the rh frame rail. on the top before the cowl. The 5th digit from the left will be the year.

IE my truck is a 55 my vin is F10D5****

 

Easiest way the tell a 48-52 chassis from a 53 to 56 chassis is the measure the distance between the frame rails at the front and rear. The 48-52 will be 4" narrower in the front, the 53-56 frame rails do not narrow and are the same front and back.
Before you spend any money, have you a title for your truck in your own name from your state DMV? All the Ford frames are stamped with a serial # that includes the year of manufacture of the FRAME, which is the part that legally determines the year and ownership. The serial # on your title must match that frame #. If the stamped # says the frame is a 53, then the entire truck is a 53 no matter what year cab (or even if it has no body at all!) or sheet metal is on it. If you don't have a current clean title in your name, go to your DMV and find out what you must do to get one, otherwise you could end up with a truck that is a unlicenseable lawn ornament or even possibly have it confiscated. Don't let anyone tell you it's not a problem to do later or that you can get around it, that advice could be very costly! (and may be the reason the PO sold it!)
If the frame is a 53 the serial number should be stamped on top the passenger side frame rail just ahead of the firewall. on a 52 in should be on the front crossmember. It will start and end with a "star" symbol. The number is usually not stamped very deep, so you may have to sand off any heavy paint or rust with fine sandpaper to see it. If you post that number on here we can translate it and tell you just what year model and more truck your frame was originally under when it rolled out of the factory.

To answer your previous question, no, lowering the truck simply moves the wheels/axles up closer to the frame. That has no affect on the steering column length which is attached to the frame and doesn't move.

PS: the only "dumb" question is one you have and don't ask! You will never be given a hard time on this very friendly and helpful forum.

 

Well I do have the title and it does say 53. So maybe my truck is a 53 chassis with a 52 body like the previous owner said. Now just need to verify the body is 52? Any easy things to pick out? My grill has the three teeth.

 

Post some pictures of your truck, there are plenty of year ID experts on here. Include a profile shot, a shot of the rear window, a frontal shot, and a shot of the dashboard.
Have you verified your title matches the number stamped on the frame?

 

Have not but I will do that

 

 

That's a 52 body.

I believe you will find the serial number on the right side frame rail top just ahead of the cross member rivets. At least that's where it is on a '51, and they are almost identical.

 

I'll stop at my garage and check tomorrow. Thank you for all the help.