Thread: 32 Steering Column Length

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For anyone who has built a 32 Ford what length steering column did you use? I am using an original style steel firewall, vega steering. I plan on using an sftermarket 40 Ford style column, no tilt.
Thanks

I have used 30 and 32 inch, but having said that there are variables that are unique to you, especially if you're not going to "cheat" the install with tilt. I'd suggest you use a piece of dowel(s) to insert into the universal on the steering box to simulate the steering shaft. That will do several things for you. You should do this with your engine block and exhaust manifold in place. That way you'll be able to check clearances, determine where on the floor the column should exit, or if you might need an intermediate joint to clear and still have foot room inside. Using the dowel you can then determine how far back you spot the wheel, which will be affected by how long your arms are (mine are longer than the average guy so I can get away with a shorter column as an example), what diameter wheel you use, where you locate the seat, and what driving position you favor. This will also help you determine what length of column drop to use rather than trying to adapt your comfortable position to someone elses advice. Then there are other personal preference items like how much column you want protruding through the firewall, if you need room for a clutch pedal and so on.

Home-made using a stock length 37" GM steering shaft.


37" seems to be a common size on GM no-tilts, especially the vans.

You can also cut the steering wheel arms off and with a little lathe turning or careful grinding use the hub for a three hole steering wheel adapter.
Even with the factory holes in the hub there is adequate room for three new holes tapped 1/4-20 for the steering wheel.

Good ergonomics as you can see, even with the 4" firewall recess.


In a 31 roadster on 32 rails, but cockpit sizes are virtually the same except that the 32 is 2" deeper vertically.

Good fit and mild U-joint angles . . . 455 Buick engine fwiw.

Take a look inside 60s to 70s era Ford vans and you'll see a column with side shift that is very similar to the 40-55 or so Ford columns.

Some Dodges have a similar column.

32" Every one I've built. The limeworks column sounds like the one you want - or of course a real '40 would work with a little work.

IDIDIT recommends a 31/32 on the A and '32. I have a 32 on my '31 Brookville though another inch or so probably would have worked better. A lot depends on where you cut it through the firewall. Mine was mounted very low as a SB Ford does not have as good exhaust header selection as a SB Chebbie to clear with a minimum of u-joint and support bearings. (And yes, I did gouge the heck out of the paint during installation )

Never built a 32, but from what I have been told by the mfgrs and many dealers is that the 32" column is the one mostly used.