Can you all think of any issues I would have if I moved the steering column to the left about an inch or two?

I had another thread on here about using a power steering box from an '88 Grand Marquis and I have some parts to try to connect the factory steering column (cut off of course) to the steering box and am just trying to figure out the best way to do it. I got to u-joints to place the column in the stock location exiting the floor, but I'm affraid the angles of the joints may be too much. But if I move the column to the left some I can use just one u-joint.

I can get some pics tonight if it would help.

thanks
David

 

There shouldn't be any physical problem up in the cab. Just make sure you don't move it so far that the wheel hits the door (if you are not using the stock wheel probably won't be an issue.

I also seem to remember your photo's from your other post. I think you are trying to align your non stock steering pump with the steering column. So as we discussed there you are going to have to build a bracket to hold the bottom of the steering column to the frame on the bottom (where it would normally be held by the stock steering box bolted to the frame)

I don't recall you discussing transmission. But if you do move the steering column over, one thing to definately look at is if the column steering connections will interfere with your clutch pedal (non issue for an auto matic) AND that you will probably have to go with a floor type shifter (either auto or stick) because the shifters/shift rods will probably fall behind your brake pedal and interfere with it - you'll have to take a look at that.

It's also going to either force you to drive off center with the steering wheel, or sit very close to the door. It will probably interfere with your view of your instruments and use of your headlight switch. It will also mean that you will be going through the floor right at the edge of the opening and floor panels will have to be modified. It may also interfere with where your hand brake cable goes through the floor - but not so much - check.

All just food for thought.

Julie

 

Thanks Julie! It is the food for thought that I need as I don't want to overlook anything.

I'm using an AOD with a Lokar shifter that bolts to the tranny case, so no clutch pedal.

For the lower column support I believe what I'm going to do is get a small piece of tubing that fits snuggly over the outside of the stock column tube and probably use some set screw(s) to secure the two together and then weld the support tube to the metal cover plate (not sure of the technical name but those three pieces of metal that cover the hole in the floor where the pedals and column go through.) I may even fab up my own cover plate out of thicker gauge metal.

Yeah, I was concerned about having to drive off center as well. The last thing I want is for the driving position to be uncomfortable, that kind of defeats the purpose of building the truck to drive! :-)

thanks again,
David

 

To me the top section needs to be vertically secured with bearings to stop it from sliding up/down and have a smooth rotation. The botton can go thru a piviot stand off and the attached to a steering universal to a length of rod to the steering box. Reference: Look at any hot rod magazine. They show steering rod piviot standoffs mounted to a tab welded to the frame to avoid touching the exhaust manifold pipes. These piviot standoffs use bearings for smooth operation and their shaft is somewhat adjustable up/dwn to the wielded tab. Attach universal joints with bolts to steering shaft. No welding on the steering shafts. Small aircraft have been using these piviot standoffs forever for control steering rods, chuck

 

David,
In my 49 I moved the steering column to the left over an inch and made a 1 piece thicker cover plate as the bottom support. I am also running an Automatic and I used and kept the original brake pedal in the stock location. I went with 60/40 Ranger seats and sat in the drivers seat before I fully committed to both column location and seat location.

 

Thanks Bill.

I looked through your gallery at the suspension setup and steering shaft...very nicely done. I'll definitely sit in the seat a few more times to make sure, like you, I like the placement of the column.

David