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I am measuring the length of steering column I need. I used a large circular cardboard as the steering wheel and found a comfortable height. I measured from the cardboard wheel to where the column mates to the steering box and I came up with 33 inches. Is this the correct way to measure the steering column length I need? Also do I have to replace the floor plate where the column, brake and clutch pedal go thru? And the column is 2 inches in diameter do I need to buy another drop column?
First, as shoo implied, it is helpful to list your vehicle and any mods in your signature. That way there is not need to ask every time you post a question.
Remember the steering wheel and any adaptors at the column/box connection ad length. They must be calculated into the over all length you are trying to install. Here is a great instruction sheet.
I am sorry for leaving out so much information. I have a 1955 Ford F100 312 v8. It is a 3 speed floor shifted transmission. I have a stock bench seat in the truck. I didn't think about steering wheel kit and steering wheel. I just measured where the steering wheel height felt comfortable. But after seeing pictures and listening to advice. I may have to go shorter.
I measured from where the stock column meets up to steering box. Where I felt comfortable with wheel height I got 33 inches total. I will be using cpp power steering kit on my straight front axle truck. Anybody else have suggestions and pictures of their swaps?
After reading the instructions from ididt. It seems better to buy power steering box mount it and then measure for steering column. At this point without knowing where the box mounts it is impossible to guess the correct length for the steering column.
Another thing you need to do is identify the steering wheel you are going to use. Many have a dish which will add overall Lenght from where the column mounts to where you want your steering wheel to be.
Seeing that your are running a 3 speed on the floor your column only needs to exit the floor/firewall enough so its secure. You can make up the difference you need with couplers and shaft material. 30" columns seem to be the standard for 53-56 f100 cabs from my experience.
Thanks for all the information. I am going to out in the cpp kit first. Measure twice cut once I guess. And yes I agree 30 inch seems to be the standard. I just measured my wheel and steering kit on my nova and it added about 3 inches to the column. Never would have thought of that.