The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1947 - 1959 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-29-2016, 09:17 PM   #1
Fults1971
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Arp, TX
Posts: 41
How long is 55-59 steering column

Ive got a 56' steering column, but looking at may a universal column shift. I looked at the ididit columns, but they don't state the length of the column. I think I found a universal that would fit, but it considerably cheaper. I think ive read a few things about the length, but everything ive read says 30 inches. but my factory shaft is considerably longer. so im not sure how to measure the column; from spline to spline?
__________________

1956 Chevy 3100 SWB
1969 Chevy C-10 SWB
2012 Chevy 2500 Silverado
2013 Chevy 1500 Silverado
Fults1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2016, 01:35 AM   #2
mr48chev
Registered User
 
mr48chev's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,244
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

On aftermarket steering columns "cheaper" is not better. Go Ididit or Flaming River and be done with it or go with a factory oem column in good shape. There have been too many guys go with the cheap ones and then have to replace them with one of the good ones when they fell apart.

On the column length you want just enough sticking out in the engine compartment so the shift arm has clearance and you can comfortably attach the shaft to the joint that attaches it to the box.

On the inside you need the steering wheel you plan to use and it's adapter if it has one so you can figure exactly how far from the dash or the clamp under the dash the rim of the wheel will set to figure out how long the shaft has to be to get it to set at that spot. Nothing is more uncomfortable in these trucks than a steering wheel that is way too high or way too low.
__________________
Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club.

My ongoing truck projects:
48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six.
71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant.
77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.
mr48chev is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2016, 02:12 AM   #3
Fults1971
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Arp, TX
Posts: 41
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

thank you.. I may go ahead and spring for the ididit column since My OEM column doesn't have any of the components at the top of the column. Ive been searching for the parts for it, but came up empty handed. Any suggestions?
__________________

1956 Chevy 3100 SWB
1969 Chevy C-10 SWB
2012 Chevy 2500 Silverado
2013 Chevy 1500 Silverado
Fults1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2016, 10:57 AM   #4
1958Warrior
Registered User
 
1958Warrior's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesquite,Tx
Posts: 416
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

So do you plan on using your stock steering box, adding power steering ? you said column shift , auto or standard trans.?
Not much in upper colmn to start with. Horn components.
Turn signals if you want the turn signals in the column and don't want the add on type, a lot of trucks did not have turn signals from the factory.
LMC has a good pic of what is needed:
http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_047.html

The Truck Shop has better prices on some parts:
http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_047.html

post a pic of what you have to work with.
1958Warrior is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2016, 11:22 AM   #5
Wrenchbender Ret
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Overland Park, Ks.
Posts: 5,190
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

The 55-57 is a different length then the 58-59 on account of the dished steering wheel.
Wrenchbender Ret is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2016, 01:06 PM   #6
Fults1971
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Arp, TX
Posts: 41
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1958Warrior View Post
So do you plan on using your stock steering box, adding power steering ? you said column shift , auto or standard trans.?
Not much in upper colmn to start with. Horn components.
Turn signals if you want the turn signals in the column and don't want the add on type, a lot of trucks did not have turn signals from the factory.

post a pic of what you have to work with.
I plan on having a column shift. I think ill just spring for the ididit column. Not sure whether I should go with the rack and pinion or just go to power steering. I have sid at dropped axels working on my axel now. I think with dropped axel, a power steering box maybe the better way to go.
As far as the picture goes, the column shown in the picture isn't mine, but that's essentially what I have right now.
Attached Images
 
__________________

1956 Chevy 3100 SWB
1969 Chevy C-10 SWB
2012 Chevy 2500 Silverado
2013 Chevy 1500 Silverado
Fults1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2016, 01:08 PM   #7
Fults1971
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Arp, TX
Posts: 41
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret View Post
The 55-57 is a different length then the 58-59 on account of the dished steering wheel.
if I understand it right. 55-57's are 32 inches, and the 58-59 are 30 inches because of the dished wheel. correct?
__________________

1956 Chevy 3100 SWB
1969 Chevy C-10 SWB
2012 Chevy 2500 Silverado
2013 Chevy 1500 Silverado
Fults1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2016, 01:48 PM   #8
OrrieG
Registered User
 
OrrieG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 8,800
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

Stay away from no name universals. Better to stand in the shop burning $20's. 30" seems to be the standard length. I used an eldorado column which is 2" shorter so it did not extend out of the fire wall so much. works fine with the telescope all the way forward.
__________________
1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread
1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver)
Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project
OrrieG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2016, 06:01 PM   #9
1958Warrior
Registered User
 
1958Warrior's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesquite,Tx
Posts: 416
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

What engine / trans are you using? stock brake mount or firewall mount? there are some that run into the shift linkage hitting stock brake pedal,
I'm not sure but the power steering pump should mount in the stock gear box location, power steering pump brackets on ??? engine ,don't know about header interference.
I have read where some have used a Toyota power steering pump.

In OrrieG's build he used a cable shift to correct the linkage and brake pedal interference see post #134 in his build,
1958Warrior is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2016, 06:13 PM   #10
1958Warrior
Registered User
 
1958Warrior's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesquite,Tx
Posts: 416
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

Also don't know if your 5' or 7' tall, get a piece of pipe or closet rod and with the seat in the truck use steering wheel and rod to simulate steering column to fit you. have someone mark the rod location as it passes through the firewall then add 2-3" to get overall length.
1958Warrior is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2016, 08:32 PM   #11
Fults1971
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Arp, TX
Posts: 41
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1958Warrior View Post
What engine / trans are you using? stock brake mount or firewall mount? there are some that run into the shift linkage hitting stock brake pedal,
I'm not sure but the power steering pump should mount in the stock gear box location, power steering pump brackets on ??? engine ,don't know about header interference.
I have read where some have used a Toyota power steering pump.

In OrrieG's build he used a cable shift to correct the linkage and brake pedal interference see post #134 in his build,
Maybe a stupid question Is it possible to use an automatic trans with the ididit column. My truck didn't come with the drive train so, as far as the engine goes, it will probably be a 350. The transmission will depend on whether I can go automatic. If not I guess its a 3 speed. Also, can I go with a 4 speed? This is my first build so, the whole thing is a learning process.
__________________

1956 Chevy 3100 SWB
1969 Chevy C-10 SWB
2012 Chevy 2500 Silverado
2013 Chevy 1500 Silverado
Fults1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2016, 12:04 AM   #12
1958Warrior
Registered User
 
1958Warrior's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesquite,Tx
Posts: 416
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

Im pretty sure you can only use auto trans with column shift ,do not think they make a 3 on the tree column. with a floor shift column you could go auto or standard.
Id recommend reading threw a few builds that use straight axles ,here are a fewthat converted to power steering
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=549739
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=471975
and one using stock gear box
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

converting to power steering can get pricey, I don't know what your fabrication level is and budget,

FYI: if it were me Id use stock column and gear box( that will work with your drop axle )
you can add on a blinker switch for around $25, external horn button for $6 , just add a steering wheel. focus on drive train 1st, then after you get it running and stopping address whether to convert to power steering.
1958Warrior is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-25-2016, 08:11 PM   #13
Foot Stomper
Registered User
 
Foot Stomper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 1,252
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

Which ididit column works for the 58/59?
I'm considering this option and they don't list 58/59...
__________________
So when is this "Old enough to know better" supposed to kick in?

My 1959 GMC build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=686989
Foot Stomper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-26-2016, 12:55 AM   #14
Coupeguy2001
Registered User
 
Coupeguy2001's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: phoenix az
Posts: 723
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

'57 was the first year of the dished steering wheel due to federal mandates. It is the first year of the shorter column.
On my 57, I used a 30 inch column, and shortened the Ididt shaft to go from the column to the box. I bought a 3 foot long shaft.
Any hot rod shop can supply the universal joints to go from DD shaft to any spline. Usually they have them in stock, or can order it.
Coupeguy2001 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-26-2016, 08:25 PM   #15
roger55
Registered User
 
roger55's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: San Angelo, Tx
Posts: 1,068
Re: How long is 55-59 steering column

Ididit 55-59 tilt column:



This will not work for a stock late 55 or 56 steering wheel when using a CPP400 power steering box. But it's works great for the stock 57-59 dished steering wheel.

Iditit told me the early steering wheel will work when using other steering boxes but I'm skeptical of that.

Last edited by roger55; 09-26-2016 at 08:32 PM.
roger55 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:33 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com