The owner of this ’56 Ford pickup purchased it for a daily driver, and after driving it for a short time decided to make it more comfortable. Still running the original suspension, it rode rough and typically handled like an old truck, which it happens to be. He wanted a softer ride, and for the truck to handle like a modern sports truck, so several chassis improvements were in order. 

Similar to how most rodders address these issues, he wanted improvements but needed to make them on a budget. To do so, he contacted the folks at Dream Cars in Simi Valley, California, to find out what they would recommend he do on his budget, and what those parts would cost.

Dream Cars is well aware of how rodders must work within budget constraints, and how component prices can make a significant difference when a proposed upgrade gets done. The shop worked at figuring out the best and most economical parts they could use to meet this customer’s demands and budget. Recommended improvements included a new independent front suspension, a Chevy 350 crate engine and a new steering system that would hook the steering wheel/shaft to the new rack-and-pinion unit. In this story, we will cover the steering installation and how it can be done for a reasonable price, as this will be a necessary step for such a suspension upgrade.

Aftermarket billet and chrome-plated steering columns weren’t an option for this truck, so a new steering column was ordered from a local supplier, J&I Detroit Iron in Norwalk, California. This column featured a column shifter, which was delivered with a black painted finish and is quite reasonably priced. The other parts required to finish the steering installation included a Flaming River column drop, Borgeson U-joints and steering shaft, and a Grant steering wheel.

With all of the parts in hand, the installation was quick and easy. The parts required to perform this installation consisted of nothing more than normal hand tools, Allen wrenches and a MIG welder. From start to finish this installation took half a day to perform, so just about anyone can duplicate the process even if it takes a little longer. Here’s how it went.