Too Tall?
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Freshman User
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Too Tall?
I'm a big guy, 6'5" 260, with a problem with my steering column. I took the power steering box from a '73 and the column from a '79. My problem is the column is almost in my lap. It needs to be at least five inches shorter. Has anyone ever tried to shorten one or are there any other solutions?
Thanks
Rob
Thanks
Rob
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Clarksville,Tn
Look into moving your gas tank from inside your cab to a tank under the bed converison; there's several past threads about this retro.
Also option of tilt steering swap comes to mine; if you have already change to power steering; you could even change to a small steering wheel.
Just some options or thought...
Mitch
Also option of tilt steering swap comes to mine; if you have already change to power steering; you could even change to a small steering wheel.
Just some options or thought...
Mitch
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Gained some leg room on my 65 by going to later seats. Believe 68 thru 74 seats have same trac's as 65/66. Wider and have the bolts that secure back to bottom seat. Took bottom of 68 seat and removed padding. Took 86 seat and installed bottom contoured padding into the 68 seat. The 86 contoured back w/ center arm rest bolted up to the 68 seat. Found reasonable uphostery shop, cost approx. $400 which includes the 68 and 86 seats picked up at salvage yard. Not as labor intense as it sounds. Anyhow, another option to consider.
dave
dave
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Rob, I have given this some thought as well. I am 5-7 240. There is no reason that the column can't be shortened to move it away from your body. One of my goals is to move my wheel at least 3" away from me. I have a shaft from a van that has 6 1/2" removed already to make it work with a pickup column.
Mitch I don't think the gas tank is the culpret. With the seat back as far as it will go, you will see the top against the glass, while placing your hand past the end you will find space between the tank and the seat back.
John
Mitch I don't think the gas tank is the culpret. With the seat back as far as it will go, you will see the top against the glass, while placing your hand past the end you will find space between the tank and the seat back.
John
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Davenport, IA
I thought about shortening the column too, but it's already to low to me (bottom of the wheel to the edge of the seat) and is almost tight to get my legs under. I'd like to be able to raise the angle at which the column sits - get it out of my lap a bit more.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Believe there is a thread on adjustable steering columns. May want to run a search on topic, believe member(s) mentioned using later model adjustable column. Seem to recall would require rewiring some circuits. Should be few companys that sell the adjustable columns for your application.
dave
dave
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From: Texas
While we are on the topic of steering columns. Has anybody put in an aftermarket billet column or what specific (year, model) tilt column did you replace in your truck.
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too tall
It is a tilt column. Seems as though I could cut the tube with a pipe cutter, then cut and weld the shaft to the desired length. I'll also have to cut the shifter as well but it seems like it should work. (in theory) Any other suggestions?
Rob
Rob
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Wellston USA
I changed a 79 f150 w/ PS PDIsc Brakes over to a 66 f100. Works great. Bonus.
It has a tilt wheel wheel now. EZ CHANGEVER. I gained abut 3 in room when it tilts up. Check it out, 78 79 year works. No cutting down needed. Worked for me.
Trapper
It has a tilt wheel wheel now. EZ CHANGEVER. I gained abut 3 in room when it tilts up. Check it out, 78 79 year works. No cutting down needed. Worked for me.
Trapper
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Sam, I just went out and measured mine. It is 6" off the seat without me on it. If you are a very large person, a tilt could be helpful when tilted up.
Rob, The only other thing that I see is the under dash cuff will have to be moved and you will have it done.
John
Rob, The only other thing that I see is the under dash cuff will have to be moved and you will have it done.
John
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Sun River St. George
Smaller diameter wheel. Tilt column. Later model seat on our sliders. Shortened column. 0 dish wheel. After that I think the pedal bracket and dash mount/column drop could be changed. I also think an inch may be gained by cutting the spot welds on the dash collar and sliding the column towards the steering gear. This would require replacing the rag joint with a U-Joint. Now if you have time and some extra bucks you could stretch the cab 3". I honestly think the simplest and in the long run cheapest would be to use a Ford Tilt from a 79 model. IMHO!
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Too Tall
William, the column is from a 79. I'll be using bucket seats from a donor car. Doesn't seem that removing tank would gain much room but I will be taking it out to get rid of that gasoline smell from the cab.
Rob
Rob
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