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

does anyone know how to tell the difference between a 54 and a pre 54, 1/2 ton steering column? The pix in the catalog look the same but there must be a difference somewhere. I'm not sure which one is in my truck. thanks

I'm not as sure as you there is a difference. But I'd look for the hole that aligns the factory turn signal switch. I do not believe that would be found before possibly '54.

What year is your truck and why are you concerned you have the wrong one?

my truck is a 54 but when I got it it had a 53 or older type steering wheel. I ordered a new 54 wheel and it doesn't have the separate hub. the 53 doesn't use one apparently. I'm considering getting the after market reproduction turn signal housing from chevy duty but I don't want to order one if I have the wrong year column in my truck. Confused yet?

I just looked up the part numbers and they are different, so presumably something about them is different.

Unfortunately I don't know exactly what. I suspect it has to do with the signal switch, but really don't know...

The hub will still work it bolts to the steering wheel. On 54's with turn signals they have a curved cover on the column where the horn wire goes and for the extra wires to come out. Here is a picture of the column wiring bracket and the non-turn signal hub I will look for my signal hub pictures but I am having trouble finding them.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2942708840102454676QQSAyG
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2299857850102454676rpfBTE
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2950142480102454676fvHWJA

thanks, mystery solved. Looks like a have a 54 column . I have the same curved inspection plate on my column. I will probably order the turn signal hub kit from chevy duty and get rid of the clamp on one that is there now. Thanks again

The 1954 truck steering column does have two holes/openings in it for the optional signal assembly (first year for this GM option).

hole near the top of the column for the signal wires to enter into the signal assembly "cup".

a hole on the lower right side of the column, just below the column-to-dash clamp (sorry about the quality of this photo).

The standard "cup" attaches to the bottom of the steering wheel via two screws.

The standard "cup" is removed and a signal switch-cancellor (cancelling cam) is screwed into the bottom of the steering wheel via the 2 two screws that had attached the standard "cup".

The RPO signal-assembly cup does not get screwed to anything (there are no attachment holes in the steering column) - there is a wedge with a tightening screw inside the RPO cup. The cup is position 1/8" below the steering wheel and the wedge screw is tightened.