ididit Universal Steering Column: How To Measure An ididit Steering Column - Manual (Page 2)

PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
PROPERTY OF
ididi
T, inc
STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3
The seat you will be using, or a good
facsimile, MUST be in place before
measuring for your new steering
column. That means NO milk crates
or lawn chairs! The steering wheel
position and the pedal position all
relate to the comfort of the driver.
So if you want to be comfortable
behind the wheel take your time and
measure correctly.
Equally important is the location
of the engine, cylinder head, and
headers. These components, or
good mock-ups, should be in place
to ensure you have proper clearance
for your steering linkages.
The position of the transmission
linkage is also vital. If you do not
have clearance for a solid rod style
linkage kit, the use of a cable shift
linkage kit may be necessary. Be
sure to leave yourself two inches of
space between the columns lower
shift linkage and firewall.
STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6
Center your column on the drivers
seat to ensure proper alignment. If
your column is installed offset or
angled it may feel awkward and
uncomfortable.
Position the column/steering
wheel so that your arms are relaxed
and comfortable when the seat is
adjusted for optimal pedal control.
You will also need to position the
column for maximum use of the tilt
mechanism. It doesn’t do any good
to have the wheel tilted into the dash
or down on the seat.
STEP 7 STEP 8 STEP 9
Column drops should fit snugly
and in a stable position on both the
bottom of the dash and the column.
No wobbles or vibration should
occur.
The lower mounts should be stable
and able to fit the angle of the floor
or firewall where the column will
pass through (or a fixed custom
built mount). This mount MUST
be sealed tightly to prevent exhaust
fumes, heat, dirt and water from
entering your interior.
If you have a floor mounted brake
and/or clutch pedal assembly, make
sure you have enough clearance for
the column.
STEP 10
Use of more than two u-joints require the use of joint supports to keep the linkage operation smooth, strong, stable and safe.
For safety purposes, ididit recommends using a splined or DD shafting instead of a welded or pinned shafting.
As silly as it may sound, we have found that using an aluminum pie tin and a wooden dowel is an
excellent way to determine the column length needed and it’s position. You will need a 4 foot dowel
piece. Add between 1 1/2” and 3” beyond the firewall/floor if using a steering box. If you are using a
rack, you can go as far as 5” into the engine compartment. Watch for clearance.
First, tack the tin to the dowel (steering wheel to column), then position yourself comfortably in the
drivers seat while holding the dowel system in place. Have a friend measure and mark the essential
dimensions such as overall length, and the distance between the center of the column and the bottom
of the dash. Don’t forget to mark the point where the column will pass into the engine compartment and
the center-line of the drivers body/seat as they are also important measurements.
TECH TIP:
PIE TIN
HOW TO MEASURE FOR YOUR STEERING COLUMN
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