The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk steering column separation

How does the steering column part from the steering box in a 57 2nd series??

Don't know about a 57.
A 47-53 for sure, and probably lots of other years, does not come apart. It can be disassembled, but the shaft that the wheel attaches to is part of the same shaft the ball screw is made of.
Pretty much you can remove the steering wheel and that's it unless you take the whole thing apart.
Is this the same construction as a 57?

Grigg

Yes. "55-'59 use essentially the same box as the '47-'55 1st. There are some differences, namely in the housing as it bolts to the frame differently. Also, '55-'56 are different from '57-'59 in length of the column. The later ones are shorter due to the dished steering wheel.
There is a kit on the market that allows one to use a stock column with a later box. It requires cutting the column and shaft, though.

That's the way it looks. I didn't know if there is a secret to it that is not apparent by looking at it.
I'm grafting a Firebird front end, but was looking to keep the original look in the cab. Sounds like I need to find a GM van column like I've been reading about.
Appreciate you, Grigg.

Bill,
I thought I had seen that before, but can't remember where. Do you?

I think that Brothers and Classic Parts have the kits. They include a bearing that presses into the end of the column tube to support the bottom of the shaft. I think that some machining or welding on the shaft is required to allow for a U-joint or coupler to be installed.

Any idea if i would cut the shaft at the box or disassemble it like Grigg talked about? I'm trying to get it out of the way so I proceed with the project. But, I don't want to distroy it either.

Would be best to disassemble first, or perhaps find a junk box to cut up and sell the good one someone who needs a good box. As long as the shaft is good, the rest wouldn't matter. Taking the box out isn't as bad as one might think, easiest with the doghouse off the truck.

Thank you for the help. Going out to the shop to fifnish up.
Thanks again.

I took mine out, then cut it off extra long. Bought the bearing and did the machine work myself to put it together and make the new u-joint fit. Had I know how simple the bearing and adapter was I would have made it myself, and will next time.

If you want an original look in the cab that's the way to go, and my guess is it's easier than adapting a later column.

Grigg