The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Steering column/wheel safety

I have been reading through numerous posts here and it appears that the old steering column/wheel combination on the ~40-60s truck are dangerous in front end collisions. To what year does this extend? and what are the alternatives? Are aftermarket columns safe like Flaming River etc? Thanks all for the input!

'60 was the first year for the separate column/steering box, previous years used the 1 peice column/box.

64C10,
I am working on my column as it was broken where it attached to the box.
Check out this artical.
http://www.classictrucks.com/tech/0904clt_rack_and_pinion_steering_install/index.html
I am going to do a simular thing, minus rack and pinion. Note the right angle on the ujoint will remedy the column safety concern.
Cavebull

Thanks guys for the tips! Now it makes more sense what the issue was before. I have always wanted a steering column with an airbag but I have never found anyone to make them for retrofit into older trucks.

Cavebull: I'd be real interested in what you are planning on doing. Right now my steering is stock so everything lines up straight and just has a rag joint. I have been thinking about moving the steering wheel more into the dash because it's just too in my face at the moment

Starting in 67 the federal gov't mandated collapsable columns in cars, and trucks too I think. The goal was to make it so it didn't go through you in the case of a head-on collision. Might want to check later model trucks for this.

Devin

Thanks Devin, do these bolt in a 64? or is the angle of the floorboard different etc?

I would imagine the column design changed with the trucks in 67, I know there were changes in the cars then. Some fabrication may be necessary, but that seems to always be the case.

Devin