Tilt Column Length

I did a search on this but did not find the answer I needed. I am about to order a tilt column for my CJ3A, and would like to know what length to order. So, is there anyone out there who has done this that can you tell me what length to use? Your advice would be appreciated.

 

I used a Flaming River 20001 (30.0") with a custom drop in the 3B. Should work without the drop in a 3A.

 

Thant's a cool looking setup, so what wheel is that from?

 

It is just a Grant steering wheel and horn button-I can probably find the numbers someplace if you are interested. All came from Summit.

 

Thanks Duffer, if you have the numbers for that adapter and that jeep horn button I would appriciate it.

 

Having a few isp problems but looked up the column parts. All from Summit:
Adapter is Flaming River FR20119BA (5/6hole)
Steering wheel is Grant 990
Horn Button is Grant 5675

The u-joints are also FR: 3/4-19 spline to 3/4 round at sector is FR 1702
Double D to 3/4 at base of column is FR 1707DD

 

Thanks Duffer for all your help!

 

What do you use to make up the rest of the steering shaft? I am thinking some 3/4" cold rolled steel, but how do you attach those ujoints to that? Are they set up to drill and bolt them together or are they supposed to be welded? Thanks for the info and part numbers.
Greg

 

I think they are set up to use set screws/bolts but I just used the screws to hold them in place while welding. You do not want to heat the needle bearings. I suspended the joint in a bucket of water with only about 3/8" of collar above the h2o and miged it. Seems to have worked near perfect. I used 4130 for the shaft but 3/4 cold rolled should be plenty strong.

 

I used a Cherokee steering column and wheel and then a Wrangler intermediate shaft to connect to the Cherokee power steering box. The Wrangler shaft extends and contracts about 10" if I remember correctly( no tests on that please.

 

Flaming River (?) or Ididit sell the whole set up, U joints, dbbl.D shafts all bolt together. I used the collapsable shaft for saftey and ease of install. I bought a 30" column no tilt and just locating it to miss the pedals, headers and etc. It will not be square with the dash though! I am using Ididit.

Dale

 

Ididit column here, i forget the length, i can check if you like. it was a tight fit around the 4.3

 

i used a tilt from a 82 camaro ,no shift on it tilts $40 at the junk yard.used borgenson shaft with slip joint,double d on one end and splines to fit saginaw power box

 

I am just getting ready to order my column and shaft u-joints in the next day or so. Duffer, do you have any problems not using a collapsible shaft? I was thinking of just copying your shaft with 2 u-joints welded to some 3/4" cold rolled steel. I can't picture having enough body to frame flex to cause problems. I am going to order the same steering wheel as you as well. I like the look of that grant wheel. I am still undecided on what column length to order. I like the steering wheel fairly close to me and I am going to notch my wheel wells so I have a bit of legroom. I was thinking of using a 32" column but you guys seem to be using 30". How deep is the steering wheel setup? I guess a 30" will probably work. I might have to get the tape measure out one more time before I order. Any ideas?
Greg

 

I have had no problems without the collapsible shaft which I think is more of a safety item. My shaft runs directly above the frame rail with no lateral offset on either end, a straight shot with just the angle at the bottom of the column. It does get pretty close to the left side #7 Hooker tube so both headers and column bottom are covered with header wrap. I have run essentially the same setup, formerly with a GM rag joint at the sector box, since 1977 without any notable binding or wear.