Technical Steering Column Shortening

I have a 28" aftermarket column and I need to shorten it approx 4". I'd like to use the existing end bushing. I just need to know how to remove it and what may be inside before I take a tubing cutter to it. I posted this question last week and everybody sent me pics of their custom built columns in project cars. This is a replacement into a finished car with a bad column. If you have been inside one of these, I'd appreciate any help. And I know Ididit and Flaming River can build me one for about $1200. Pics attached.

 

What after market column is it? Flaming River, Ididit, etc. They all have awesome tech departments that will answer this question easily. I have done it several times and will do it again in a week or so when my new column shows up for my truck. You are lucky it is DD and not splined.

 

Years ago Borgeson didn't have anything to ID them like IDIDIT, CPP or Flaming River, things may have changed. Is it tilt or conventional solid column. Could be cheap Chinese junk column or Hoffman brand (Helix above). If cheap tilt, throw it in the bin. Once disassembled check for poor construction, unsafe welds etc.

 

Is that DD shaft hollow? Looks like that HOFFMAN shaft that @mgtstumpy posted a pic of, same bearing too.

 

It has to, it went it. How long were those 4 screws?

 

More cheap /unsafe Chinese columns, ProComp, Wysco and RPC. Please take the time to read the attached article and don't use those inferior / unsafe columns. You could save not only your life but someone else's; these columns just don't meet current safety standards. Safety isn't optional, it's mandatory IMHO. Never skimp on brakes, steering or suspension.



Load is on the weld and NOT on the column.

 

It's my understanding that most of the issues with the gypo aftermarket columns are with the tilt mechanism and the poor quality material that the tilt mechanism is made of. I've never heard if anyone has gutted one and tried to put GM tilt internals in it though.

The only issue I see at the bottom is having enough of the D shaped tube left to safely hold the lower shaft when you are done cutting.

 

If you're worried about dealing with the bearing you can just cut it an inch up from the bearing. If you use a tubing cutter you can get a nice straight clean cut. Then remove your 4 inch section, slide end section back into place and weld her up. Hose clamps and a piece of angle iron will get you squared up. Since it looks to be double d all the way you can just trim it off. As far as the quality of the column I can't really comment. I've only shortened stock columns.

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