The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline How to determine column length?

Hello all. I have a 56 Chevy 3100 with a 37" steering column, apparently used on 55-56 years. It seems 57-59 years uses a 34" steering column. Can anyone tell me where I can find the specifications confirming those different columns lengths and years? I found the shaft part number (6.524) for a 55-56 but the illustration does not show the actual 37" length. http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/1929_57chevyparts/57cmpc0543.htm Any info is greatly appreciated.

The shorter steering column was used with steering wheels with angled-down spokes, so you could use either length column and steering gear as long as a year-correct wheel is used with the appropriate column. The height of the rim of the steering wheel remains the same. The angled-spoke wheel was one of the first efforts to protect a driver in a head-on collision- - - - -the wheel had to collapse 3" before the driver got impaled by the steering shaft. Several years later somebody came up with 2-piece telescoping steering shafts, seat belts, shoulder belts, and air bags. All this in the name of protecting drivers from their own stupidity!
Jerry