When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I did some thread searches and came up with a lot of steering column change outs. My question is: Has anyone reduced the spacer between the dash and the stock steering system to rotate it up toward the dash? It looks like there is room to move it away from the driver. 9" from the dash lip with the stock stand-off bracket seems like it could be reduced. Hoping someone else has entertained this concept and have a good success story to share (with tips and tricks if I plan to dream...Go big or go home).
If my search skills need training, I am all for that too! Please help
I’m not sure this answers your question because you said “rotate up towards the dash” and also mention the distance from the dash lip to the wheel/driver. These are two different dimensions in my view. I did use a 78 tilt column and took 4 inches out of the 9 you mention. I had to shorten the column tube, the shift tube and the steering shaft exactly the same amount, while keeping the orientation the same. I would advise against welding the shaft. I shortened my shaft by cutting off the splined end and having a machinist mill it to a double-D then using a matching U-joint. I also used an after market steering wheel and adapter. The adapter was taller than I wanted, so I had to cut it down as well. I’ll post pics later today. I appreciate the additional distance away from my chest, particularly since I used seats from a 2010 F-150, which are thicker than the stock bench.
Upon rereading my original post, I see where my language skills lack. Trying to fill in the gap and clarify this post. Thank you for your reply resonateur!
1. Many gents around 6’ have pedal access issues due to the distance between brake/clutch full up height and the bottom of the steering wheel
2. Same size person has the bottom of the steering wheel rubbing their stomach
Upon inspection, it appears there is room on the backside of the zbar to rotate the whole assembly away from the driver. My thought was to rotate the assembly using the output shaft as the pivot point and reduce the spacer under the dash. This would move the wheel towards the dash away from the driver as well as up due to the slanted configuration.
My guess is one or more of our FTE’s has already thought of this and tried it. All feedback is welcome, even if you point out my lack of foresight.
I get what you're trying to do I think. I'm guessing there is enough slop in the steering box to allow it to rotate up slightly. Why not loosen up the box, remove the mount between the column and dash, and see if it moves up. Should be simple enough to make a new mount or shorten the existing one by an inch.
I get what you're trying to do I think. I'm guessing there is enough slop in the steering box to allow it to rotate up slightly. Why not loosen up the box, remove the mount between the column and dash, and see if it moves up. Should be simple enough to make a new mount or shorten the existing one by an inch.
Exactly my thought! I was thinking 2” would cure the whole issue with the stock components except the dash bracket would be narrowed. Any success stories of this out in our FTE world?
I like what you are attempting. Post your results. I need to do the same being 6-4 and 300 pounds. Easier to move the column up than exercise and diet. I have randomly studied my 4WD's steering column bracket that certainly keeps the column from touching the lower dash there...and wondering if that bracket can be modified (shortened) to rotate the column up toward the dash. ??? Keep us posted.
I like what you are attempting. Post your results. I need to do the same being 6-4 and 300 pounds. Easier to move the column up than exercise and diet.
Even a 6-4 scarecrow would have leg length issues between the pedals and underside of the steering wheel...
Even a 6-4 scarecrow would have leg length issues between the pedals and underside of the steering wheel...
Its not so much the leg issues as it is getting used to the steering wheel in my 300 pound all paid for and very not-handsome midriff section. The other is head room. With a new upholstered bench seat my head is touching the ceiling. I have to dip my head slightly - so I went to 65-66 Mustang bucket seats and that helped some but the distance from the belly to the wheel didn't change all that much if any.
I am 6'4, 240 and I sure like the direction this thread is going.
I was just thinking of cutting everything in the column down about 6". Maybe even a smaller diameter steering wheel... I have power steering in the plan.
Here are a couple pics of the 78 tilt column, similar the the one used by Lizardman. I could only take 4" out of the length because that brought the collar right up to the dash. I lost a couple inches in the steering wheel adapter but gained some back due to the steering wheel having a smaller diameter and less "dish" than the original one. I'm still not understanding the "rotating up" part of the question, because the column is already contacting the underside of the dash. Anyway, I hope these suggestions help.
I don't intend to hijack this thread away form the OP. My apologies if I am stepping on toes here.
But, in response to your photos above? I don't know how you did it, and how much time it took you to dress out the cab, but your cab interior and what others are able to do here are show-worthy.
My comments have to do with the 4WD steering column bracket that keeps the steering column down and away from the lower dash. I don't know how much if any that column can swing upwards toward the dash if the bolts are loosened and the bracket shortened for a 4WD steering column Again, my apologies if I am hijacking this thread.
I don't intend to hijack this thread away form the OP. My apologies if I am stepping on toes here.
But, in response to your photos above? I don't know how you did it, and how much time it took you to dress out the cab, but your cab interior and what others are able to do here are show-worthy.
My comments have to do with the 4WD steering column bracket that keeps the steering column down and away from the lower dash. I don't know how much if any that column can swing upwards toward the dash if the bolts are loosened and the bracket shortened for a 4WD steering column Again, my apologies if I am hijacking this thread.
Your good, that is my exact point. Until now and seeing the above pictures, I did not realize my 4x4 with its 3-4” bracket between the dash and column may be 4x4 specific? The pictures above have no space between the dash and column. Here is mine with the bracket below dash and 18” stock wheel.
