Shorten Steering Column Jacket

[jonn6464]

I've been doing some searching, but can't seem to find an answer.

Does anyone know how much I can shorten my steering column jacket, before it is too short to penetrate the firewall? I'm guessing I would like to keep 1.5"-2" of jacket into the engine bay.

I am trying to gain some space for headers, brake booster, etc.
And, I'm inserting a sealed bearing.

Currently have a PS, floor shift, steering column/shaft from a '71 Duster.

Thank you.

 

[mopowers]

There should be a witness mark from the retainer that bolts to the firewall and associated o-ring on the column you have. Just mark it an inch or two from that and cut away.

 

[jonn6464]

There should be a witness mark from the retainer that bolts to the firewall and associated o-ring on the column you have. Just mark it an inch or two from that and cut away.

Great tip, thank you

 

[jonn6464]

There should be a witness mark from the retainer that bolts to the firewall and associated o-ring on the column you have. Just mark it an inch or two from that and cut away.

Ha! I forgot that I've already sandblasted the jacket. No more witness mark.

 

[Jim Lusk]

The firewall bracket sits between two sets of tabs. It is obvious where those are. The are issues, however, with some columns (might only be '67 columns). The inner sleeve is not straight in some columns. I had a custom delrin bushing made for one column, but the last one I did I removed the inner sleeve and cut it on a straight and welded it back in with the proper amount removed. Turned out cleaner, sort of...