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I need to shorten my Chevy S-10 steering column. Can someone tell me how or point me to a post showing/describing how to do it please? I was going to use a ford ranger column, but the chevy seems to be a better choice for several reasons. Thanks. Perley :)
Perley
These guys sell what you will need to do this and have some tech article to go with it. Steve
http://www.classicperform.com/tiltingmadeeasy.htm
I think the main problem with cutting it shorter, is making sure it is strongly welded together. Maybe a splinded shaft connecting the two pieces would do the trick!
The column is really fairly easy to shorten. First, determine how much you need to trim. Then take the column completely apart. The bottom end (in the engine compartment) of the outer tube (number 37) can be easily trimmed with a tubing cutter. Make sure to dress the edges with a file after words as the cutter will leave a real sharp edge. If you have a collapsible shaft (like number 49 below) and you only need a couple inches, you may be able to literally “collapse” the shaft and re-assemble. If not, the shaft needs an equal length taken out of the middle somewhere. Take a couple measurements to be real sure and then cut the shaft. Use a sleeve over the cut shaft and weld back together (not to insult or patronize - but if you're not an experienced welder, have this done - it's really important that this weld hold forever - as mentioned by Stovens). Put the components back together, paint to your liking and you should be good to go.
Be sure to assemble as shown and replace anything that looks worn at this time.
I really like Borgeson universals. They’re a lot “beefier” than the stockers.
Good Luck!
Glenn
Hey Steve, thanks very much for that nice site link. That is a very helpful article.
And Glenn, many thanks for the great information. Those pictures show clearly how to take it apart and (hopefully) to put it back together again. I don't know how much I can lose by compressing the column, but I need to lose about 10 inches or so. My steering box and the U joint sticks up through my floorboard.