The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop ididit steering column question

Has anyone installed an ididit steering column on a 55-59 1/2 ton?
I'd like to replace the original column with one of these but don't want to lose $$ on having to replace it later when the IFS go in.

The question is, can I buy say a 32" ididit and have it work with both original equipment and later with an IFS setup?

Has anyone done this before?

Thanks
HC

I'll take a shot at this. I would say yes, you should be able to do it. How exactly I can't tell you. It'd be one of those search and destroy missions. Welding might be involved. I think you'll just have to take it apart and see what you need to do.

Best idea would be to wait if you can until you've installed your IFS.

I dont see why the ifs would really change anything as far as the column itself goes. If anything you would have to modify the D shaft and add u joints to get it where you need it. I am using a ididit 34 in my 49 with a 71 ifs front using 2 u joints to mate it to the steering box.

Thanks guys.
When I purchase and install it I'll post pics.
I figured I would just put it out there and see what came back. I hate buying stuff just to wait to put it in

. . Sergent, that's what I was thinking. Again, I wanted to hear a definite 'yes, I did that' and here’s how it works kinda deal. So thank you.

HC

I installed a Billet Specialties steering column in my 55 1/2 ton.It was very simple to install.I used Borgenson joints and shaft for the hookup to my IFS frontend. the only thing you might have to change later would be the shaft for the Borgenson joints to get the right length.Hope this helps.

As Dale says, if you use a Borgenson joint, all you have to worry about is adjusting (cutting) the shaft coming out of the steering box to the right length...

In my case, the old column (a POS old crappy GM Column from the 70's) was welded in so the shaft had to be cut anyway...

I wasn't positive my Ididit column would work as it was made for a '57 Chev Belair, but figured with some minor tweaking it would... I got it brand new and cheap off a guy on Craigslist and took the chance.

We cut the shaft, machined the end of it to fit, installed the Borgeson, then slid the Ididit into place... perfect fit, no welding required...

I'll be pulling the Ididit in the next week to paint it with Charcoal "hammered finish" grey and then installing it again permanently...

In other words, it should work... let us know how you do!

~Trev

There should be no issues UNLESS you are wanting to put a column shifter mechanism on the new column. That would not be a good idea.

It would be best to wait until you have the new IFS in place before you mount the column so you can positively identify the column to steering rack components you need.

Doing things out of sequence can cost money.

Right on with the column shift. Mine is a floor shift,so no problems.