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Shroppy

Member Since: 25 Feb 2016
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 866

1986 Defender 130 V8 Petrol HCPU Aintree Green

Moving the steering column inboard

I plan to modify a pair of risers and or my seatbox to enable me to move the front seats inboard by approximately 25mm.

To accompany this, I am weighing up the feasibility of moving the column inboard too, not necessarily the full 25mm. I'm aware that the column mounting brackets allow for a very minor amount of adjustment, but has anyone modified the brackets / bulkhead to enable the column to move by an appreciable amount?

Perhaps there are some detrimental factors I've overlooked? I can't see that it would have much impact on the angle of the steering UJs.... 1985 127 V8 Build Thread
Series 2 109"
Series 1 80"

20th Feb 2022 9:47pm

Dinnu

Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3469

2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black

Moving the steering column inwards will actually get the steering column more aligned with the steering box input shaft. I do not see that you would have a problem at UJs.
The distance between the column and steering box will effectively become shorter, but there should be enough play in the splines to cater for that too.

But are going for an automatic transmission? Because there is very little space to the clutch master cylinder, unless you are moving that one too, but then need to check if there is enough space in the footwell to comfortably use the clutch. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black

21st Feb 2022 6:54am

Shroppy

Member Since: 25 Feb 2016
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 866

Good point there Dinnu, this photo from mrfirepro's build thread shows the column in relation to the clutch pedal fixing positions. Since the nuts are captive in the pedal box and the column is spaced away from the footwell, I'm hoping I can achieve around 10-20mm of inboard movement before the column is too close to the clutch pedal assembly. I suspect the lower column bracket will need modifying, but there does appear to be a good amount of adjustability in the upper one.

Click image to enlarge 1985 127 V8 Build Thread
Series 2 109"
Series 1 80"

21st Feb 2022 6:36pm

Dinnu

Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3469

Maybe these pics will help too (1988). Probably the limit is the boss on the clutch pivot shaft.
I think I read on this forum that the Puma seats are already about 25mm inwards, compared to early Defenders. But never measured and compared pedal/steering. I should try to remember and take some measurements tomorrow evening. No seats on my early 90, so really cannot compare and forgot how driving position feels on that one.
If there is anything in particular that want to get measured, just comment.

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black

21st Feb 2022 8:38pm

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