I have a 1953 Chevy Bel Air. I installed the IF-4954CP Bolt-On Pinto-Mustang II IFS Kit for 1949-1954 Chevy from CEI (http://www.ch***isengineeringinc.com/if-4954cp-bolt-on-pinto-ifs-kit-1949-1954-chevy/) with the IF-7480TW Complete Pinto-Mustang II Hub to Hub Component Package with Full Lower A-Arms for IFS also from CEI (http://www.ch***isengineeringinc.com/if-7480tw-complete-p-m-component-package-1949-1954-chevy/). I need some help with selecting/identifying the correct steering column length and the ***ociated hardware, i.e. knuckles, u-joints, shafts, mounting brackets, etc. that I will need to get set up with the manual rack and pinion. I have contacted both Ch***is Engineering and Ididit looking for suggestions to no avail. I have not yet determined weather I am going with the column shift or floor shift -- I have a 700r4 ******. I do want tilt. No column key (it is on the dash). No headlight dimmer switch (it is on the floor). Anybody out there have any suggestions? I have tried to find similar posts, but haven't found much with detail. Even some pictures of what you may have might help.
'64 -'67 mid size GM, (Chevelle, Cutl***, Skylark) 1970-'72 GM truck. Or aftermarket. Aftermarket are easier to come by, and cheaper. All above columns can be shortened, and I believe all have a 3/4" shaft. I don't know off hand what the Mustang rack shaft size is. You'll probably need at least 3 joints and a support bearing.
this has been done many times but, every situation is a bit different. finding a 60's-70's GM column with tilt & no key is a tough one. there are aftermarket ones but, sounds like main supplier like Ididit did not provide much info. but, look at the retro fit unit that they offer for '55-'57 Chevy to get an idea of what should work for you. need to do measuring from firewall to about where you want your hands to be. can always mock up with some wood and/or cardboard. for total length of column needed be sure to take in account for steering wheel adapter & depth of steering wheel desired. plus, column end needs to extend past firewall. go to flamingriver.com to maybe help you with this. once you have a column then can figure out connecting column to rack. can also go to speedwaymotors.com and search for U-Joint Selection & Design for information to help with this.
Todd Walton makes a bolt in Ididit column for these cars. Todd is a great guy that makes great parts for our cars! I'm very happy with the stuff I've bought from him! http://www.waltonfabrication.com/steering.html Are you sure you want/need tilt? It isn't hard to shorten the stock column tube, add a bearing on the end, adapt the column shaft to a double D u-joint and go on toward your box. This is what my '54 210 has in it.
Thanks guys. I don't know that I need tilt -- I've put in some other rods and liked it. The angle and position of the gearbox shaft in relation to the steering column location has me scratching my head. Sure seems like a tough setup.
Mustang output shaft is either 9/16-26 (Manual) or 3/4-36 (Power). Later are 3/4-V (Pyramid) I think this is a Ch***is Engineering (CE) kit installed in a 52?
^^^^ Copied from Interweb, I have a combination uni-joint / vibration dampener on my 46 Olds to reduce road feedback (NVH). Looks to be a steel Borgeson Unit. It should be mounted at base of column and NOT on the R&P input shaft. Flaming River Borgeson
You can use your stock column with a firewall support,a bearing and the end of the stock inner shaft filed down for a DD connector. Easy Peasy
Update: Todd with Walton Fabrication has been very responsive and helpful with this situation. I'll update once I have it resolved.
I purchased from Walton Fabrication. It's an Ididit column with a plate welded on the mounts to the lower firewall. Great fit. The manual rack and pinion I have has a short shaft, about 1.5 inches long or so, not like the picture above. I am going to have to install a carrier bearing. Summit racing has some good prices on u-joints, bearings, and shafts. I'll snap a pic once it is done.
My opinion ididit columns arnt worth the money the lower trim piece that buts up to the dash was glued in place and a few hundred miles later it randomly falls off and slides down the shaft.... there is also a rattle that developed inside it somewhere.... pretty impressive gor a $700 column.... just my two cents
The Walton fabbed Ididit bolted in really nice. Just received the carrier bearing. Trying to figure out the shaft configuration now. Jeffyg82, I'm surprised you had issues with the Ididit. I put one in a 56 Ford years ago and was thoroughly impressed.
From the steering box, u-joint cpp-uj1, to 2" DD, to cpp-u36, to 15" DD, to cpp-uj7. (Lengths are approximate.) Support bearing 52132 on the 15" shaft.
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