Telescopic Steering: Gimmick or Good?

[LCD Gauges]

I’ve come to the conclusion that telescopic steering in the GTM will only serve
as an automated chest crusher in my case.

With the column fully retracted, I find the steering wheel just about right.
Any extension will only reduce comfort.


It would have been nice to get more retraction to facilitate exiting the vehicle,
but I can’t seem to get any more room to relocate the column. The best gain
was approximately an inch of extra clearance by sliding the bolts back in the
mounting slot. This inch is quickly reclaimed when using the new steering wheel
which has a higher offset.

So I’m back to the same place, and if using a quick-disconnect, the steering wheel
Is too far forward. Has anyone managed to cut, and reposition the column closer
to the front of the car? Is your setup benefitting from the tele feature, or did
you connect it “because it’s there”?

There is also quite a bit of play when turning the wheel which is likely a missing
bushing/bearing that appears to be missing.

[LCD Gauges]

It seems unanimous thus far - nobody is benefiting from the telescopic feature.

With the rack bolted as far forward as possible, the FFR steering wheel is
14 inches from the front edge of the mounting bar. That distance feels great
for my body type.

When adding the aftermarket steering wheel, there is about a 1.5 inch offset
toward the seat. With the quick-disconnect installed, the steering wheel is 18
inches from the mount.

I'd have to remove 4 inches of linkage just to get back to stock, and that's
with the telescope fully retracted. To make use of the telescopic feature, I'd
have to remove about 7-8 inches (to utilize full extension).

At this point, I have to make some modifications in order to use the new wheel
with the disconnect, so I might as well go for broke and try making everything work.

It seems like the intermediate bar between the firewall and u-joint can be cut down?
Hopefully it will still clear the clutch pedal.

There is also 1.0 inch available at the hub if I'm able to buzz that down,
and weld again. No sleep lost if it's a stationary setup in the end. Save
yourselves some cash, and get the regular column.
42565425664256742568

[LCD Gauges]

Not a chance of getting this to work in my car. Getting back to default position while using the quick-disconnect is tough enough,
but moving the column beyond that causes the turn, and wiper stalk to hit the gauge pod.

Now I have to address the excessive play in the sleeve (missing bearing/bushing), and have no use for the telescopic feature.


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