Steering Column / Steering Box Connection

Hello Everyone,

I have a 1965 G10 Sportvan and have a question. When I got the van, a previous owner swapped the 6 cylinder / 3 speed out for a small block and autotrans. Unfortunately, the original steering column with 3 speed on the tree is still in it. I would like to swap it out for an aftermarket steering column but keep the original steering gear box. Upon reviewing the parts books I got and what information is available on the internet, I can't tell if the steering shaft goes all the way from the steering wheel into the steering gear box (worm drive gear) or if I can disconnect the "column" from the steering box. I haven't pulled it apart yet to see because of weather. I'm trying to research some to determine the best approach at tackling this problem. I would appreciate any info you can give?

While we are waiting for others to chime in, I'll share as much as I know.....I had the box out of mine to install a new sector shaft seal and I don't remember being burdened with having to deal with the column.... The box comes out thru the hole in the floor and is a real Houdini unless you remove the pittman arm...… I just looked, and the column tube slips over a tube connected to the top of the box and it is inside the cab under the boot..... I'm pretty certain (from my limited recollection) that the steering shaft has a seal where it exits the box.....


So here's the deal IMO....

If this is about losing the stock 3-on-tree linkage, just remove the linkage..... It is external of the column and doesn't support it in any way---completely removable!

If this is about a tilt or electric column, then you have a lot of fab/machine work in your future and everything you add is going to be between your legs (which some would consider a good thing!)…….

For me, I really find the big-rig style horizontal placement of the steering wheel to be quite comfortable, way better than a thirdgen van's wheel placement..... As to the weight of the BBC and 4L80 I'm installing, it is being moved rearward 18 inches, but I also got a custom 19" big-rig steering wheel to make steering my van a pleasure......I've put many,many,many miles on FL, Peterbilt, and KW tractors without power steering, so the van's steering will be a pleasure...

Thank you for your info. Can I ask? How did you connect your auto trans for shifting with the factory column? That is why I was wanting to change the column. I didn't want a floor shift. So I plan to change the column with auto shift on the column while using the factory steering box. I've not driven the van yet but have read they are easy to steer.

WickedTwins, I have the same situation with my 64. The previous owner used the 2-3 shift rod to shift the auto trans. There is a splice weld in it that makes it the proper length. 1963 Corvair Rampsides had a dash mounted shifter for the Powerglides. I ordered a used one from Clark's Corvair to modify for my TH350 auto. It has a single cable and a neutral safety switch; custom cable is required. Rework is in progress. I'll keep you posted

Cheers & Gears, 63?

Thank you for the info. I was suspecting the situation you described. As I mentioned, I haven't pulled it apart yet. Weather here has been nothing but rain and a big mud pit.

A little late on the timing - I just saw this today in the Chevy repair manual

I'm probably going to try to use the top gate to shift and fasten the bottom arm in the "up" position so that the neutral gate coincides with "park"......so that the shifter drops into "park".....Or I may just remove the column shift stuff and get a B&M cable shifter...