Hey y’all , I’m considering putting an automatic in my 56 f100 , I’ve currently got 3 on the tree , I want to keep to stock steering column look but struggling to find an original 56 automatic column. I’ve found a couple 55 Columns . I’ve been told the 56 columns are shorter . Can anyone tell me what else is different? Will the 56 steering wheel fit on the 55 colum Also .
Yes 56 column is shorter, and 56 wheel is deeper dish. Not sure how much but might be 2" ( seems like that is what I heard- but not sure). 55 column is longer but 55 wheel is flat with no dish. It was supposed to be a safety improvement as the 56 wheel/column put you further away from the steering column in a head on collision.... I have a 55 setup in my truck, but I also have a 56 setup that came out of a F350 . I have heard (but again am not sure) that if you used a 56 column with 55 wheel, the wheel would be 2" further from you. If you used a 55 column with a 56 wheel it would be 2" closer to you.
That's correct. With the stock steering wheel for each year, the rim of the wheel is in the same place. The '56 column is shorter because of the dished steering wheel. The same is true of '55 and '56 Ford cars, the '56 car column is shorter because of the dished steering wheel. I have a '55 Fairlane 4 door that my parents bought new.
You might try looking at the social groups, I think there's one on the Ford barn. Maybe here too. Might be a better lead on a column. In the cars the steering shaft is also different, IIRC it's one piece from the box to the wheel mount. Don't know about the trucks. How that plays out with the shift linkage I also don't know. As usual, I don't know much. Just enough to be dangerous.
Where can I find ford barn ? I’ve been searching high and low struggling to find a 56 factory auto column .
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Ammf6, You might also try the 48-56 forum of Ford Truck Enthusiasts. If you send me a private message I might be able to ***ist you in finding an auto steering column. I have a few 1953-56 F100 Parts contacts.
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