Steering wheel/column depth

[Amtek]

Got a 1980 K-20, fully loaded with a tilt column steering wheel. When I bought the truck, it had an aftermarket Grant steering wheel that was really small and along with sloppy steering joints, was a scary to drive at high speed. Im 5'9" with kinda short legs so I have to scoot the bench up a little to be comfortable with the pedals and the grant wheel, along with the adapter, put the steering wheel pretty much into my chest.

I've replaced that wheel with a stock one from a similar truck, though did not check to see if it was manual or power steering. (are they the same diameter?) Since it replaced the adapter, Its now further away from my chest, but the increased diameter puts the bottom of the wheel closer into my stomach instead

I havent taken a good look yet, but is there a way to slide the steering column further into the firewall? The automatic shifter linkage is not hooked up anymore. I've never driven another chevy of a similar year but it seems like the column is further out than most vehicles.

Cant help but feel I'd be disemboweled should the truck ever come to a sudden stop at any speed. I also have a 1973 F-250 4x4 highboy with a non adjustable column and stock manual steering wheel and it was at a perfect depth even with the seat adjusted close. Any tips?

 

[Amtek]

No one? I cant be the only one with a bit of a gut and its not even that big, lol. It just seems like the column is just too far out. Its almost a foot between the instrument cover and the base of the steering wheel I took a look and saw four bolts holding the column in place. Im thinking by loosening up the clamp on the firewall and sliding the two top bolts into the place of the lower bolts i could gain an inch and a half. Is this possible?

 

[diesel4me]

Far as I know the steering colum cant be moved from its original location--it bolts in and that is that...moving it would be a hassle with you having to re-invent the shift linkage ,steering shaft and ither things if it could be done at all..

It might be possible to install a colum from another vehicle,I have never tried doing that,nor has anyone I know .I did sell a coup;e of GM van tilt colums to guys making hot rods though,they are the easiest ones to adapt to an old rat rod,they had no ignotion switch on the colum though,on early ones (70's and up to about 82)...some guys liked using the tilt/.telescopic colums from older Caddy's and ither GM ful sized cars too...I'd just try to find a different steering wheel ,its too much hassle trying to put another colum in ,in my opinion...maybe someone else here has done it,but judging by the lack of responses to your post,I'd guess no??..