Raising the Fed Steering Wheel

[Elanlover]

All those who have a Fed car know that there are no adjustments on the Fed steering wheel. No up/down or in/out so to speak. However, while doing some work around this area recently I discovered that there "may" be a way to raise the wheel up a bit which I'm guessing is what most people would want. The column is bolted to a frame under the dash with to bolts and a "plate" attached to the column. The mounting plate on the column has a spacer integrated to the bolt hole area. I've taken a picture of this area although its not entirely clear given the angle at which I had to take the pic.

002.JPG

These spacers are about 1/8th of an inch thick. That doesn't sound like a whole lot but, that 1/8th would probably grow to almost an inch (I'm guessing) by the time it extended out to the steering wheel. One inch is better than nothing. But, what I can't comment on or reason out is what the impact on steering will be. By changing the mounting point the column will also have a different angle at the bottom end of the column where the U joint is. That joining will now be at a different angle. What impact will that have? Will it affect steering feel, stiffness, etc. If the impact is negligible then you could grind down these spacers (they seem to be welded on) and raise the wheel up to an inch higher.

Can anyone comment?

[Elanlover]

Uhhmmmm......is that a no?????

(Moved post to Steering section too)

[nitroman]

If it works that'd be great. Wouldn't the plastic shroud covering the ignition switch come into contact with the fascia though? I guess it could be resectioned.

[Elanlover]

I think everything, the column, the shroud everything would be moved up. The plastic shroud would sag a bit where it meets the bottom of the fascia to compensate so that shouldn't be a problem. It already about 1/8 of an inch from touching (at least in my car).

[esprit888]

Became inverted today and looked at mine. The 'welded spacer' could well be strengthening plates as the way the column is installed is reversed to what you would expect I.E the open end is towards the front. This could be to prevent the steering wheel & column from being rammed into ones chest during a severe front impact?

All those who have a Fed car know that there are no adjustments on the Fed steering wheel. No up/down or in/out so to speak. However, while doing some work around this area recently I discovered that there "may" be a way to raise the wheel up a bit which I'm guessing is what most people would want. The column is bolted to a frame under the dash with to bolts and a "plate" attached to the column. The mounting plate on the column has a spacer integrated to the bolt hole area. I've taken a picture of this area although its not entirely clear given the angle at which I had to take the pic.

002.JPG

These spacers are about 1/8th of an inch thick. That doesn't sound like a whole lot but, that 1/8th would probably grow to almost an inch (I'm guessing) by the time it extended out to the steering wheel. One inch is better than nothing. But, what I can't comment on or reason out is what the impact on steering will be. By changing the mounting point the column will also have a different angle at the bottom end of the column where the U joint is. That joining will now be at a different angle. What impact will that have? Will it affect steering feel, stiffness, etc. If the impact is negligible then you could grind down these spacers (they seem to be welded on) and raise the wheel up to an inch higher.

Can anyone comment?

[Elanlover]

Became inverted today and looked at mine. The 'welded spacer' could well be strengthening plates as the way the column is installed is reversed to what you would expect I.E the open end is towards the front. This could be to prevent the steering wheel & column from being rammed into ones chest during a severe front impact?

I had another look and I'm not convinced they are for anything structural in a crash. I've no way of knowing for sure of course. They look like they only keep the column mounted to the frame. The column's collapsible so those little spacers shouldn't be stopping the wheel from moving in a crash anyway. Its certainly possible they add some strength to the overall "connection" there But I've got to believe that the bolts would shear regardless - I'm not sure what they are actually screwed into

[lotos]

I'm not sure what they are actually screwed into

My guess is a metal backing plate.