Quote Originally Posted by 35fordcoupe
yea since the column wouldn't need to collapse in our cars i wouldn't think pushing it in a little would hurt as long as the column stays solid and doesn't try to collapse on it own. i have a small block firewall so i'll check the fit.

so to collapse it you just put the shaft on a 2x4 and tapped the top of the column? does it require a lot of force or just a few taps? thanks
Your column is like mine where the section with the lower mounting collar fits up inside the next section of the housing right? If so, there's a retaining clip on the bottom end that holds the end bearing in place. I removed that and took the bearing out. Mark the housing below where the two sections join together so you can tell how much it moves. I stood the column on end on another block of wood so as not to damage the threads on the steering wheel end. If you still have the steeing wheel on it, that step wouldn't be required, just stand it up on the steering wheel with the tilt mechanism straight. Then placea 2x4 (or block of wood of your choice) on end of the housing and begin tapping with a hammer. Work your way around the housing to keep the movement even. The amount of force will be determined by what kind of movement you see with your marks. Be careful to hit the block squarely so as not to bend your housing end. When you achieve the desired housing length, place the block on the end of the shaft itself and whack it to the desired length. Re-install your bearing and clip on the end and you're done. I'm not exactly sure but I think there's approximately 3-5" of collapsibility on these columns. I hope that makes sense......lol...

As for the type of steering wheel you asked about earlier, most all the aftermarket steering wheel companies offer adapters to put any kind a wheel you want on it. Initially, mine will have a Grant leather wrapped wheel until I find one I like better.