Lowering the steering console down, pros/cons

[Jean]

Hi,

I am going through the v8 swap, and need more room under the dash as the cylinders I've gotten are too long and it's just too tight of a fit under there for my liking.

I am using low mounted race bucket seats, my size/height isn't a problem if I lower the steering wheel down 1-2" (Using a 320mm wheel anyway).

My question is - has anyone lowered the steering wheel / console down about an 1" from it's stock location? I am basically talking about drilling the two security bolts and replacing them with longer bolts and using 2 spacers. Essentially this would lower the console down and give me the room I need,.

What I am not sure is if I would run into any binding issues where the steering input shaft meets the firewall and then goes to the steering rack coupler.

Has anyone done this and run into issues ?

My car is non ABS, non AirBag car if that matters.

Thanks

[kronus]

this is pretty commonly done in race builds, it's fine, do it

[Sh3rpak!ng]

It's easy. I've done it as well. You may have to clearance the joint between the column and rack if your angle is extreme (this is the same "clearancing" that's recommended for steering rack swaps). I am using 3/4" spacers iirc and will probably go just a touch taller.

[squidrope]

I've lowered the column more than an inch on 2 track cars and had no binding issues.

[Jean]

I've lowered the column more than an inch on 2 track cars and had no binding issues.

Non air bag ?

[JGood]

I have this done on my Lemons car, non airbag late model. I think the spacers were 3/4". Have 50+ hours of track time on it.

[squidrope]

Non air bag ?

Both were non air bag

[Jean]

Thanks guys!

[Digitalwave]

Mine is lowered 1.5". There is no binding of the knuckle, but I had to clearance the firewall as the shaft was binding due to the angle change. It was the lower right hand corner when looking from the driver's seat.

The only other issue is I cannot see my gauge cluster at all (350mm wheel, lowered column, racing seats mounted low).