Hi Fred,
Yep, the whole steering gear box and column was replaced. I don't recall at the time that it was a different size, but then I can't be 100% sure. However I didn't notice that the steering wheel was any closer or further from the dash. I think I would have clued into that at the time it was done.
Also, the unit that is in there was set up for a column shifter as it had the threaded bolt holes for the gearshift lever retainer. And it has the oblong hole for the shifter mechanism. It just seems that either the hole is further up the column than it should be or that the lower shaft is longer than it should be. One of the two must be true or the thing would fit as it was intended.
With the steering column/assembly info you provided I am inclined to believe that it is not that the steering column is too short, but rather the lower gear shaft is too long... perhaps designed for a larger truck (like a 1-ton?)
Has anyone seen any differences in these parts that might account for the improper fit?
