First of all a bit of background to my problem. In order to accommodate my best pal I ditched the original bench seat and went with driver plus double passenger seats from a VW Crafter. Idea being the passenger seats could be pushed all the way back leaving floor space for Lexi.




So seat mounts are already placed and some idiot did not predict a potential problem with Steering Column routing. In my own defense that stems from my severely limited workshop space meaning the cab was sitting on a dolly at the time with frame and engine elsewhere.




As you will see from the photos I am also converting the dash to right hand drive.






Now I realize the chances are that nobody reading this is going to have converted RHD, Toyota/Lexus suspension/steering and moved column position by such an extreme amount. But my question is how worried should I be about this and should I re-think everything before I go any further? I should think quite a few of you have nudged your steering over to accommodate a 2 separate seats with a centre console between them. And maybe lived with the steering being offset from the instruments?

How far outboard do you think I could move the column without running into bother (from the stock position where it is centred on the instruments)? You can see from this picture where the masking tape represents:

A stock position

B new seat position (4" outboard)



The ruler represents the position of the frame rail as best as I can tell at the moment.



I guess anything is possible. Its just I would like to avoid major headaches as best I can. So all input would be welcome from you guys because if you don't know then I am pretty sure nobody does!

 

The cabs on these old trucks are much smaller than newer trucks, there is usually not much to decide on for and aft seat position other than as far back as possible.
As far as centered on the steering wheel, on most vehicles the drivers seat does not center on the steering wheel but is somewhat closer to the outside of the vehicle.

 

Ideally, one would do all this with the cab on the frame so you can see exactly what the route of the steering shaft to the column needs to be, worked around the engine and exhaust, and know where the column needs to come out of the cab for it all to fit. If that's not possible, you'll have to take very careful measurements and make your best guess.

Since you're doing a full custom and modified cab, I would start with the seat and make yourself comfortable in the cab, then place the steering wheel/column where you will be most comfortable while driving. You want to enjoy your time behind the wheel if you're doing all this work and not be miserable and wish you did something different 500 miles from now. You can put the gauges wherever they work best, making any adjustments or concessions necessary for form and function.

 

If I could add my 2 cents in. Put your seat in, then take a wooden dowel and alum. pie plate and make a steering column and steering wheel. Set that up so it is centered on the seat. Then sit in the truck, put your elbows where you like to have them while driving. Then see if that is comfortable. It looks like your seat is close to the door. Can't stress enough to make sure you are comfortable. And if you like to drive with your arm on the window when it is down, set that up as well. Once you have that all figured out, drill a small hole where the steering shaft will go through the floor. From there you can see the route for the rest of the shaft as it connects to the steering stuff.
And don't be afraid to ask for other opinions as well. You might be a bit biased or rushing and be willing to accept a compromise. This is not the place for that. If you are not comfy, you won't drive the truck.

 

Thanks guys. It is encouraging that nobody has said hell no that wont work! So at this point I am not going to do any rework. I will finish the work on the left had side deleting the instrument pod and probably leave repositioning it on the opposite side until I have the cab/frame/engine/steering back together again. It stops me finishing the inside of the cab this year but it makes the most sense.

Apart from finding a comfortable driving position I do think that visually it doesn't look great having the instruments so far outboard. I saw an old GMC truck last weekend with a bench seat and instruments on the extreme left. It was in its stock position although even that didn't look right. Having looked at my seat structure again I think I could move the driver seat 2 inch inboard without too much effort. So that made me feel a bit easier although I am leaving that for now too.

Wayne. I found an old thread that you contributed photos to which was helpful so I have bookmarked that and will post a link here for reference.

IFS Rack to Column ??? 50F1 MII IFS - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums