The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Oh no!! Steering column doesn't fit!!

Well I got to the point where I am trying to fit all the components around the small block V8 I put in my 49 GMC 1/2 ton. I want to make sure everything is fitting okat before I weld the engine mount kit into place.

Last night I got my steering column and tried to bolt it to the frame just above the left front wheel and there is no way I am going to be able to fit my exhaust manifolds onto the heads without them hitting the steering box. Where do I go from here?

kskt4

This is normal putting a V8 into an AD truck. The steering has to be modified with universals etc. to "go around". This is also an ideal time to put a steering box in with power steering.

Thanks,
Where would I find a kit, or instuctions on how to do this?

kskt4

Hi KSKT4,
I have not done the swap that you are working on, but I have read about it on a few articles that were/are on the Stovebolt forum and tech tips. As I understand the procedure, spacers are placed between the frame and the steering box to move it over enough to clear the mainfold, Approximately an inch or so. Then the streering linkage has to be adjusted accordingly as well as the steering column shaft. I have also read that there are v-8 manifolds that dump in the center instead of the back that give you more clearance(ramhorns?). I know I printed an article on this swap and have it at home somewhere. I will look for it and see if it is still available on-line. Hope that this helps somewhat. Dont give up!!
Ralph

kskt4,
Go look in the Tech Tips under featured projects there is one entitled "49 Chevy 1/2 ton" that has some of what you are dealing with. He solved the steering column problem by actually moving the steering column over to clear the manifold, It looks like he had to adjust the brake pedal as well. This was not the article that I was remembering, but it covers some of your problems. Good luck.
Ralph

I had a '55 Willys jeep with a Buick 225 V6 shoehorned into it. The way around the steering box (similar position to a Chevy) was to use a right hand manifold on the driver's side so the exhaust dumped out the front. I'm pretty sure this will work on an SBC too.

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the help. This is the best site by far. I will look into it. One question. Would a power steering upgrade solve this problem to?

kskt4

The magazines such as Custom Classic Trucks show this kind of thing on a regular basis. The most common setup that I have seen is where they shorten the steering column, install a bearing in the cutoff end, and fit a universal to it. It then attaches to a short piece which feeds through a bearing/mount that is anchored to the frame, to another universal linking up to the steering box. A lot of time they use a power steering box out of an 80's Toyota truck to provide power steering with the standard axle. You can buy these "newly rebuilt" just for this purpose.

I think that if 4on the Floor's method works, you would save a lot of effort. Also, look in the links for "Chuck the truck". He shows how he did it.

Although I have a MII IFS I used block hugger headers and three u-joints and a heim. I had to also heat the headers and bend in an additional 1/2" to miss the outlet flange. Tears running down my face as I applied the torch to the pretty headers. With the angles of the shaft I also went to power steering adding a pump and a power rack as it was a bear to turn, now like downtown. In my collection of pic's I show the U-joints in Zeke's AD.
This will at least give some ideas.
http://community.webshots.com/user/zeker6
although it looks like a brace at the top U-joint it is the brake pedal in the background, Zeke

Have ya tried the rams horn exhaust manifolds like 48 mentioned?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...7&category=33632&sspagename=WDVW

Here is an example of the left side only. The mani's are out there. I had a set on my 41 with a 327 under the hood. The Rams Horns allowed me to keep the stock steering. Not sure about your AD tho....

Zeker6,
man, you sure do some nice work! What a terrific album.

Did you mount the doors before installing the full cowl piece? I guess you could do a great fit check. Does the door post flex with the weight of the door, without the cowl? I ask because I am approaching that stage.

Fred

Hey Guys,
Zeker6 and 46, nice work on both your trucks. I will keep at it for sure.

kskt4