Steering Wheel Too Close '84 C-10

[Ricko1966]

For reference, the bottom of the SW is 22" from the center of the seat on my '97 F150.
The C10 measures 14-1/2" with the seat all the way back.
No way can I gain that much, but anything should help....

Now, into vague territory...........wheel dish......
How is that measured??
Aftermatket wheels require adapters...and they aren't short.
Doesn't help to use a wheel with 1.25" dish if you need a 3" adapter..

My stock wheel measures 4-1/2" total.that is, if you removed it and set the hub on
a table. the wheel would measure 4-1/2" to the edge of the wheel.

Not all adapters are 3 inches thick,many are only 1 inch thick,that early camaro wheel I showed is also much h more shallow and doesn't need an adapter. And you can push your existing column further from the seat without much work. Or swap to a different GM column I was a dumb 17 year old kid when I put a mid 70s column and wheel in my 69 gto,no internet,no guidance and it wasn't a big deal. These gm columns practically swap them selves

 

[Ronno6]

I've never tried this but this is what I would try. Collapse the steering shaft under the hood and make a relocation bracket to mount the column further under the dash,or relocate the factory mounting clamp. The relocation bracket is probably as simple as a flat plate with 4 holes drilled in it.Mount the column further forward. 2nd try. Gm columns are very interchangeable I'd look at a column from an s10 real hard. You should have a clamp similiar to this,see if you can just relocate it's position on the column,and shorten the under hood double d shaft it just pushes in when you melt the plastic pins. And look at steering wheels with no dish

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I could probably fab an adapter bracket that would bolt to the dash, then have the column bracket bolt to it in the relocated position. It would need to have an offset in it in order to have the bracket bolt up at the same height as original......

It is interesting to note that the inserts thru which the bracket is bolted are slotted down each side, probably to permit the column to collapse in the event of collision......... Parts to replace the original inserts could be made but longer. to allow the column to be relocated in a more favorable location............hmmmmmmmmm

NOW, we're gettin' somewhere............

 

[Ricko1966]

I could probably fab an adapter bracket that would bolt to the dash, then have the column bracket bolt to it in the relocated position. It would need to have an offset in it in order to have the bracket bolt up at the same height as original......

It is interesting to note that the inserts thru which the bracket is bolted are slotted down each side, probably to permit the column to collapse in the event of collision......... Parts to replace the original inserts could be made but longer. to allow the column to be relocated in a more favorable location............hmmmmmmmmm

NOW, we're gettin' somewhere............

 

[Ricko1966]

I think you can just relocate the bracket on the column itself and collapse the steering shaft under the hood so you can move it foward. Move it too far and you will have to position the neutral safety switch on the outside of the firewall but NBD.

 

[Ronno6]

I think you can just relocate the bracket on the column itself and collapse the steering shaft under the hood so you can move it foward. Move it too far and you will have to position the neutral safety switch on the outside of the firewall but NBD.

I wish it was that simple..
IIRC the column has nuts welded on it to which the bracket is bolted.

I can have 2 tabs machined to replace those silver inserts in the bracket to reposition it further inward. I will have to investigate possible interference of switches and wires with pedals and linkages...
The NSW is of no consequences as I have a Hurst 4 speed floor shifter.
So I can remove the NSW and wire tie it out of the way......

 

[Ronno6]

Now.........
It has been probably 4 years since I replaced the firewall pad inside the cab.
Due to the passage of time and the partaking of much fermented and distilled libations,
I cannot remember if the flange/boot that seals the column to the firewall is secured to the column or not...
When I received this tilt column the lower steering shaft was already pushed up into the upper shaft...maybe it had seen
a front end collision ??
If I loosen the clamp on the engine side of the firewall, should I be able to push the column in?

I REALLY don't wanna have to get to that flange/seal as it is covered by the pad.......

 

[Ricko1966]

Now.........
It has been probably 4 years since I replaced the firewall pad inside the cab.
Due to the passage of time and the partaking of much fermented and distilled libations,
I cannot remember if the flange/boot that seals the column to the firewall is secured to the column or not...
When I received this tilt column the lower steering shaft was already pushed up into the upper shaft...maybe it had seen
a front end collision ??
If I loosen the clamp on the engine side of the firewall, should I be able to push the column in?

I REALLY don't wanna have to get to that flange/seal as it is covered by the pad.......

I haven't messed with one in years,but I believe loosen the clamp,undo the shift rod and under dash mounting and it will just push forward.

 

[legopnuematic]

The seal should just be slipped on the steering column. It should slot the column slide in it.