The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop late-model steering column

Hi. I have a later-model tilt steering column I'm trying to put into my truck, with the automatic trans column shift. The first problem I run into is I can't get the end of the column with the shift arm on it thru the hole in the firewall. No matter which way I angle it, it almost fits but won't get there. So I got 2 choices, either I make the hole bigger or I take the lower end of the column apart. I don't want to cut up my truck any more than necessary, but from what I read about taking a steering column apart, I'm not sure I would be able to get it back together. Anybody else who has done this, how have you guys solved this problem?

Thanks,
Mike

Not that I am going to be any help but what year truck.

It's a 52 GMC 1/2 ton and the column is out of a mid-80s Pontiac sedan.
Thanks for your interest.

If it was me I would enlarge the hole to get the shaft through and make a 2pc. filler plate to go around the shaft after ya done.
Just my 2 pennies.
Tim

Couple of things, what are you trying to mate the column up to, stock steering or what? The lower end of most steering columns are not to complicated, shaft and joints come apart and the bushing is easly removed. Depending on the length of the column you might need to cut it anyway. Do a search, lots of info on the subject. I installed an S-10 column and after cutting the housing and shaft was able to exit out the original opening.