You say you have power steering and the original column. Therefore your column has already been cut, to remove it from the original steering box. To make it even shorter it is as simple as trimming more off the bottom end and sliding it farther down in the dash clamp.
What I don't know is how the 3 speed shift linkage works if you do this.
I added power steering to my 52 and used the original column, but I left it at the stock length in the cab. I also use the stock wheel, and have no complaints or problems with it. I see no reason for a smaller wheel unless you don't fit in the truck with a large one. I can turn mine sitting still with one finger resting on the rim of the wheel, it's nice.
Grigg
