shortening the steering column

realisticretiredone · December 24, 2006, 3:16 pm

I just put an aod with a lorkar nastalgia floor shifter in my 65 f100. Now I want to get rid of the column shifter. My truck has power steering using the newer ford box and the newer column. I have a 65 column from a 4 speed truck. Now here is my question, if the ear for the rag joint has to be welded on the end of the shaft why can't the 2 1/2 inches to make the column shorter be taken from that end of the shaft and posibly not having to move the mounting bracket for the dash mount. Any and all comments welcomed. Merry Christmas to all.

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » December 24, 2006, 3:36 pm

just use the tube from the 4 speed column and shorten it at the bottom end if needed .i have done this when changing from auto trans to 4 speed.seems a whole lot easier than shortening the actual shaft unless i am missing something here.

Post by **Greg D** » December 24, 2006, 3:38 pm

I think Flaming River, IDIDIT or one of those companys also makes rag joint flanges that "bolt on". You might search their sites and see if something there would help.

realisticretiredone · December 24, 2006, 3:48 pm

what I'am trying to do is get the steering wheel back down to a comfortable or original position. I will be using an original steering wheel.

realisticretiredone · December 24, 2006, 4:07 pm

There is quite a bit of the main shaft sticking out on the end of the column

mikecarson · Post by **mikecarson** » December 24, 2006, 4:30 pm

http://www.fordification.com/steering-column.htm

I would guess you could cut it where ever was most convenient for you.

cdherman · Post by **cdherman** » December 25, 2006, 8:12 am

With regards to the 4 speed column only (columns with shift mechs are MUCH more complicated), everything I have read and seem says that you can just shorten the shaft.

The dash mount can stay.

The flange where the column goes through the firewall needs to be the correct one for Power Steering, as the Saginaw PS box changes the angle of the column such that it goes through the firewall about 3/4" higher.

The flange from later trucks has a nice "PS" stamped on it.

Check out the fordification site for lots more info.

Install everything, then measure carefully how much too far the steering wheel is sticking into the cab. Then take the shaft out, take it to a reputable machinist and have them remove the approx 2 inches and re-attach the rag joint.