It’s possible to modify and move that original column closer to the dash. However, that also moves the steering wheel closer to your knees, which isn’t a great trade off. If you add power steering, change to a smaller steering wheel, AND move the column closer to the dash, you just might find things feel good again, BUT IT’S A LOT OF WORK!
In my 65 C10, I cut the column shorter and moved the steering wheel 3” closer to the dash when I installed a power steering box. It was easy because I have a floor shifter. I have plans to change to a smaller SW this summer.
