The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Steering Column Spacers - '53 half ton

Are there any spacers between the steering column and dash on a 53 half ton? I have to draw the steering column up what seems too much to mate the bracket and column to the dash. The Shop Manual just says "install the instrument panel grommet, bracket and spacers, if any" I have the rubber that goes around the column in the bracket but I'm not sure what the instrument panel grommet is? Do I need spacers and a grommet?

I have taken several of these apart & have found that some have washers shimming then away from the dash & others don't. So I guess if you need to shim it it won't hurt. As for the rubber, I'll there is is the one that goes insde of the two brakets that wrap around the column. I don't think I would have any rubber between the brakets & where they mount to the dash as you want this as secured & tight as possible in my opinion. Hope this helps.

Here is what I found on my 50,
...pic...
...square nut...
...pic...
Small shim between the clamp, washers between clamp and dash.
You do not want too many threads going through the dash. Too long a bolt will interfere with gauge housing

My '52 was/is just like the pictures above. Two thick washers each side.

The thick washers allow for column shift rod clearance to the dash. If you have a floor shift you only need enough clearance
for the steering column while maintaining column alignment with the steering box.

Thanks much....makes sense to allow room for the column shift. I do have the floor shift four speed but will put in some washers to better align the column with the steering box. I'm headed to the boneyard next Wednesday and will add thick washers to my shopping list.