510 steering column shortening length

[DARIN 510]

Hey guys. So I’ve done this mod a couple times and was getting ready to do it to this red 510 project I’ve been working on. I’ve noticed every 510 I see out there has the super long stock columns. I was telling mrfiveoneoh about this mod and he said it would a good idea for a write up. So here goes. So for starters. This is just an illustration between the different years. This is just an illustration between the different years. But overall length is the same. I start with cutting above the weld. Same concept you would do cutting your spring perches on your struts when you adjust ride height. Where the white tape is where the column tube flares out. I slip the upper column portion all the way down to where it stops and weld back together. Make sure to mark for alignment ! Other wise you could end up with an upside down column. For the mount bracket I flipped it around so the bolt holes will line up. You will need to install some spacers in between as the column also sits lower. Doing this mod it will push the column about an inch forward and drop about the same. Hope this write up was descriptive enough for anybody that wants to also do this.

Edited June 15, 2023 by DARIN 510

[datzenmike]

 Would you like this moved to the How To section???

 

https://ratsun.net/forum/25-how-to/

[iceman510]

Maybe change the title word to "shortening" instead so it doesn't sound electrical.

[DARIN 510]

2 hours ago, iceman510 said:

Maybe change the title word to "shortening" instead so it doesn't sound electrical.

Whoops 🤣. Damn autocorrect. 

[DARIN 510]

4 hours ago, datzenmike said:

 Would you like this moved to the How To section???

 

https://ratsun.net/forum/25-how-to/

Makes sense. I figured it wouldn’t get lost in all the other threads. Can it be added ? 

[datzenmike]

Start something in How To and I'll merge all this into it so nothing is lost. Be sure to say something like 510 steering column shortening length. This way a Google search will find steering column and 510. 

[Icehouse]

Did you check the spline engagement?  The splines shaft changes length early and late.  They only meet up to a outer spline that is 20mm long.  You can over or undershoot it.  I put grease on it and do an engagement check. 

 

I always move the steering wheel the other way.  I like it close but lots of leg room.  

[DARIN 510]

Transferred over from 510/1600. 

[DARIN 510]

6 hours ago, datzenmike said:

Start something in How To and I'll merge all this into it so nothing is lost. Be sure to say something like 510 steering column shortening length. This way a Google search will find steering column and 510. 

Started datzenmike 👍

[DARIN 510]

2 hours ago, Icehouse said:

Did you check the spline engagement?  The splines shaft changes length early and late.  They only meet up to a outer spline that is 20mm long.  You can over or undershoot it.  I put grease on it and do an engagement check. 

 

I always move the steering wheel the other way.  I like it close but lots of leg room.  

The spline on the u-joint shaft that attaches to the the steering box? 

[Icehouse]

15 hours ago, DARIN 510 said:

The spline on the u-joint shaft that attaches to the the steering box? 

 

 

No the splines under the white tape at the other end.  There is a potential that since you shortened the column that the splines won't Engauge fully.   the splines can go to deep and go past where they need to go.  

[DARIN 510]

11 hours ago, Icehouse said:

 

 

No the splines under the white tape at the other end.  There is a potential that since you shortened the column that the splines won't Engauge fully.   the splines can go to deep and go past where they need to go.  

Oh ok. Yah was referring to the same thing. I just worded it different. Yeah the spline still engages. It’s only been shortened about an inch. The spline length is 2 inches long. I suppose I could cut and shorten. 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

On 6/15/2023 at 8:03 AM, iceman510 said:

Maybe change the title word to "shortening" instead so it doesn't sound electrical.

You can substitute butter for shortening, but baking times might change.