The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Tech Help in Shortening my 1950 3100 Steering Column

Am searching for some experienced guys or Tech Help concerning the shortening of my column for room to set my 350 V8 in the chassis. I need it to hook up to the rack & pinion steering on my stock front axle.
Ron

I can tell you that what you are trying to do very difficult. Not the steering column, but the rack and pinion on a straight axle. The problem you will run into is the axles up and down movement, plus being in a arc. This creates a hugh problem for the steering column to stay connected to the rack while compressing and extending trying to keep up with the axle.

You will need a very elaborate flex joint that will not pull the pinion out of the rack. Pinions are not made for this type mounting, there is a reason racks are mounted to the solid frames with the ends being flex able.

Steering columns are easily cut and shortened using standard hardware bearings. Getting the shaft into ' D " shape is easy enough with a grinder and a file.

Jump over to the Jalopy Journal web site, this has come up many times and you will find plenty of reasons to continue or quit now.

Here is just a taste of what has been discussed, http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=844765&highlight=rack+pinion
www.Jalopyjournal.com

Joe

Ron, here is a link to read and consider.

http://www.classicperform.com/tech_articles/Power-Steering-Trucks/Power-Steering-Trucks.htm

I have a V8 in my 52 panel using a 76 reman Saginaw unit from the local parts house and a kit from Classic Parts. Since your running a V8 you may want to consider something beside what your thinking about doing?
Take a look at my photobucket listed below and you will find some pics of my steering set up. I did use a 68 pickup column but you can shorten the one you have and do the same thing. I just used the later model to have the built in turn signals and slim column. (leaves the switch in the original place)

Let us know what you decide and remember, we're here to help.