Adjusting Steering Column Angle

[FJ40Ldn]

Hi Guys,

Ive got a 1979 FJ40 and am finding that my legs are interfering with the steering wheel when using the pedals. Beyond getting a smaller steering wheel (as I love the look of the OEM one), has anybody tried adjusting the steering column angle up, I guess by moving the clamp at the dash up and adjusting the firewall? Is it possible to move the wheel up by 2 inches or so that way?

Any advice appreciated, thanks!

 

[pb4ugo]

If you move the column up you put the rag joint in a bind. The notch in the dash may be an issue too. You might consider moving the seat back by adding extensions. Or changing the angle of the seat.

 

[B y r o n]

If you want to keep the factory look but have a smaller steering wheel this could be a solution.

It's my understanding that the diameter of these wheels is 14.9" or 380mm. You might also what to review this thread.

 

[FJ40Ldn]

Hey, thanks for the reply.
Think the notch in the dash should be ok, I've attached some photos of steering assembly to help. I've already moved my seat back all the way, just need a bit more room!

 

[FJ40Ldn]

Thanks for the link Bryan, will check that wheel out as well

 

[FJ40Ldn]

*Byron

 

[60 40]

I have the same problem so I temporarily removed the top half of the bracket that holds the steering column, bent the lower bracket, added a rubber cushion and pushed the steering shaft against the notch in the gauge cluster, gained perhaps a half inch of clearance for the knees but it's still not enough.

My rig is a 69 and the steering wheel with the addition of power steering is unnecessarily large, going to try and find a smaller steering wheel with the same spline count as the 69 wheel and probably put the bracket back as it was.

 

[peesalot]

You would have to redo the entire alignment due to the box being fixed and so close, i dont see room to go up tilt on column without modifying the bucket or the tube mount that bolts to bucket.

 

[3_puppies]

looking at the above pics, you will be OK moving the column vertically up, you will need to do something with the firewall support
you have a spider so it can handle some angle on the steering column to box
currently looks like the column has a slight downward angle from the spider to the firewall

 

[Jdc1]

For the last EPS install that we did, the column was shortened between the wheel and dash. Makes a huge difference.

 

[POPO AGIE]

I am a long legged 6-3 and has been so long since I have been able to drive mine but I don't remember having the steering in the way shifting gears and also shift with out the clutch and float into each gear.

I replaced the original steering box with a FJ105 PS box and it now sits a head of the axle and have a shaft with 2 u-joints and an new bearings in the column. One at the fire wall and replace the one at the steering wheel.

My steering wheel was showing its age and wanted a smaller wheel and found an FJ60 wheel on Ebay and will use it. When I put the seats back in I will move them back as far as possible.

 

[pb4ugo]

It appears your wheel is on the wrong side of the 40 and your pedals are laying on the floor. i wasn't aware you have a U joint between the box and column. You should be able to raise the column at the dash a bit. Or raise the whole column up, but that would require some surgery at the firewall. Maybe adapt a GM style tilt column. I'm pretty tall and have always altered my aftermarket seat position in certain ways to get it to my liking. I rarely run doors also.

 

[B y r o n]

*Byron

You're not the first and won't be the last to make that slip.

Here is some more information that may help.