Need a bit of help on steering column....

[CoMtGuy]

Hey guys, I have an 83 GMC K2500 4x4 I'm going through, and one of the things driving me nuts is the steering wheel just seems too close to the driver. The guy before me was little, maybe 5-4 in height. I wonder if he adjusted the column closer to him? Not even sure if that is possible to do.

It would help a bunch if you could measure the distance from your dashpad to the backside of the steering wheel.... and tell me how many inches you have. If my column is stock then it should measure about the same distance as yours, if not.... does anyone know of a way to move the steering wheel closer to the dashpad? I haven't measured mine but it looks about 8-10 inches from the dash.... and feels way too close to the driver even with the seat all the way back! Thanks in advance for any advice or measurements!

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[1987 GMC Jimmy]

The steering wheel is non-telescopic and non-adjustable. You’ve got the newer four spoke wheel, and I don’t know what the diameter is relative to the two spoke, but I would imagine it’s the same or smaller. Is your seat adjusted all the way back? This is a common complaint with bench seat trucks and Burbs.

 

[CoMtGuy]

Thanks, the newer wheel was installed by the previous owner, I have the original larger two spoke original wheel I'm planning to put back on. The seat is all the way back, but it's a standard cab PU so maybe that isn't helping. I pulled the seat and put a new cover on, hoping to find the seat wasn't sliding all the way back but it was working fine.

I'm planning to replace the bench (which is in excellent shape, vinyl not torn and no low spots) because it is too bouncy and I want to upgrade to a more firm seat. Maybe the new bench and mounting rack will allow it to slide a tad further aft.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

I've sat in the bench seat, and it's tight, but I felt like it was adequate. I'm 5'11" and 230ish pounds so I could see being heavier, lankier, or both having issues. Not saying I'm a twig or the perfect height. I was thinking of a Cadillac column, but it looks like someone already did this so that might be something to think about. That or another telescoping column.

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/telescoping-column.5965/

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Corvette

 

[bucket]

My trucks without tilt always felt like the steering wheel was closer to the seat than the trucks with tilt. And I normally run my tilt columns in the straight position.

 

[Dougnsalem]

I was thinking of a Cadillac column, but it looks like someone already did this so that might be something to think about. That or another telescoping column.

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/telescoping-column.5965/

That was a great find! I didn't see where @RetroC10Sport did an actual mod thread on it, but there's more of it here-Starts around post #25.....

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/my-lil-squarebody-1991-s10-blazer.3638/

Tons of great ideas there too....

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Thanks, I knew I wasn’t the first with the idea, but I’m glad there’s info on here about it.

 

[echo7bravo]

This has been my biggest complaint ever. (Being 6-4 and 260 pound) I had often thought of trying to modify the column but keep reminding myself that I am building this truck for my 5-8 son.

Seat swapping to a lower profile and getting tilt wheel is probably the best you can do honestly.

Just my opinion....Not verified but.....I think the pre-1981 trucks wheel protrudes out further than the 81+ models.

 

[Craig 85]

Just my opinion....Not verified but.....I think the pre-1981 trucks wheel protrudes out further than the 81+ models.

The 73-80 seat back frame is thicker than the 81 and up.