WOD Adjustable Tilt Steering Column with Orbital Mount
WA04000
The Wide Open Design Universal Adjustable Tilt Steering Column gives custom vehicle builders complete control over steering wheel placement, column angle, and driver positioning. Designed as a universal weld-in steering solution, it features approximately 40 degrees of tilt adjustment, a 4" steering shaft extension range, and weld-ready mounting tabs for application-specific installation. The column tube and steering shaft can be shortened to accommodate custom dashboards, seating positions, roll cages, and steering system layouts.
Built for rock crawlers, rock bouncers, Ultra4 race cars, tube chassis Jeeps, and custom fabrication projects, the WOD Tilt Steering Column uses bronze bushings for smooth operation and an adjustable gas shock to help maintain steering position. The included weld-in orbital valve mount allows integration with compatible full hydraulic steering systems, including the PSC 4.75" orbital valve with a 3/4"-30 spline stem. Builders can also install the column without the orbital mount for other compatible steering configurations.
Includes:
- (1) WOD Universal Adjustable Tilt Steering Column Assembly
- (1) Adjustable Gas Shock
- (1) Weld-In Orbital Valve Mount
- Weld-Ready Side Mounting Tabs
Important: Universal fabrication component requiring cutting, fitting, drilling, and welding during installation. Final steering wheel position, mounting tab location, and orbital valve placement are determined by the builder. Orbital valve is not included.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Wide Open Design |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Universal Adjustable Tilt Steering Column |
| Steering Column Configuration | Universal / Builder-Fit |
| Tilt Adjustment | Approximately 40° |
| Column Tube Length | 13.15" |
| Steering Shaft Length | 15.75" |
| Steering Shaft Extension Range | 4" |
| Column Tube Modification | Can Be Shortened for Custom Fitment |
| Steering Shaft Modification | Can Be Shortened During Installation |
| Bushing Material | Bronze |
| Tilt Support | Adjustable Gas Shock |
| Mounting Style | Universal Weld-In |
| Mounting Tabs | Included / Unwelded |
| Orbital Valve Mount | Included / Weld-In |
| Orbital Mount Installation | Optional / Can Be Used Without Mount |
| Compatible Orbital Valve | PSC 4.75" Orbital Valve / FHC04S |
| Orbital Valve Stem | 3/4"-30 Spline |
| Steering System Compatibility | Compatible Mechanical or Full Hydraulic Steering Configurations |
| Installation Type | Custom Fabrication / Weld-In |
| Primary Application | Custom Off-Road Chassis, Rock Crawlers, Rock Bouncers, Ultra4 Race Cars & Fabricated Vehicles |
Compatible Orbital Valve:
- PSC 4.75" Orbital Valve
- PSC Part Number: FHC04S
- Orbital Stem: 3/4"-30 Spline
- Orbital Valve Sold Separately
Fitment
Universal weld-in steering column designed for custom vehicle applications. Final fitment is determined by the builder, chassis layout, and steering system configuration.
Common Applications:
- Rock Crawlers & Rock Bouncers
- Ultra4 & Off-Road Race Cars
- Tube Chassis Jeeps & Custom Buggies
- Full Hydraulic Steering Systems
- Trail Rigs & Custom Off-Road Trucks
- Drag Cars & Drift Cars
- Custom Street Cars & Show Vehicles
- One-Off Fabrication Projects
Installation Instructions:
- Mock up the steering column with the seat, steering wheel, dashboard, and driver positioned in the vehicle.
- Shorten the column tube and steering shaft as needed to establish the desired steering wheel in/out location.
- Position the unwelded side mounting tabs to suit the chassis and confirm the column's full tilt range before final welding.
- For hydraulic steering applications, install and mock up the orbital valve and included mounting plate before welding.
- Drill a 1/4" hole through the U-joint and column connection, then secure using a 1/4" bolt and lock nut as specified in the installation procedure.
- Cycle the steering column through its full tilt range and verify the U-joint rotates freely without binding or interference.
- Remove the orbital valve before welding the orbital mounting plate into its final position.
- Allow all welded components to cool before reinstalling the orbital valve and completing final assembly.
Fitment & Installation Notes:
- Requires cutting, fitting, drilling, bolting, and welding during installation.
- Final steering wheel height, angle, and reach are determined during fabrication.
- Column tube and steering shaft can be shortened for custom packaging.
- Side mounting tabs are supplied unwelded for application-specific placement.
- Orbital valve mount can be installed or omitted depending on steering configuration.
- Verify steering shaft engagement, U-joint operating angles, and clearance throughout the full tilt range.
- Check clearance around seats, harnesses, dashboard, roll cage tubing, and other cockpit components.
- Compatible steering wheel, steering shaft connections, and orbital valve must be selected for the finished installation.
Builder Note: Steering column placement should be established early in a custom chassis build. Mock up the seat, steering wheel, pedals, and driver before welding the mounting tabs. When using hydraulic steering, position the orbital valve and check U-joint clearance through the full tilt range before final welding. Planning these details during fabrication helps avoid interference and makes the finished cockpit more comfortable and serviceable.
FAQ
What makes the WOD Universal Tilt Steering Column different from an OEM steering column?
Unlike factory steering columns designed for a specific vehicle, the WOD Tilt Steering Column is a universal weld-in assembly that allows builders to determine the final steering wheel position, column angle, shaft length, and mounting location. This makes it ideal for custom chassis, race cars, and fabricated off-road vehicles.
Can this steering column be used with full hydraulic steering?
Yes. The included weld-in orbital valve mount is designed for compatible hydraulic steering orbitals, including the PSC 4.75" FHC04S orbital valve with a 3/4"-30 spline stem. The orbital valve is sold separately.
How much tilt adjustment does the WOD steering column provide?
The steering column provides approximately 40 degrees of tilt adjustment. An adjustable gas shock helps support the column and maintain the selected steering wheel position.
Can I shorten the steering column during installation?
Yes. The 13.15" column tube and 15.75" steering shaft can be shortened during installation to accommodate the desired steering wheel position and available cockpit space. All modifications must maintain proper shaft engagement and steering system operation.
How much steering shaft adjustment is available?
The supplied steering shaft provides a 4" extension range, allowing additional flexibility when positioning the steering wheel and configuring the steering system.
Does the steering column include an orbital valve mount?
Yes. A weld-in orbital valve mount is included. Builders can use the mount for compatible full hydraulic steering applications or omit it when installing a different steering configuration.
Will this steering column fit my rock crawler or tube chassis Jeep?
The WOD Tilt Steering Column is designed for universal custom fabrication applications, including rock crawlers, rock bouncers, tube chassis Jeeps, and off-road race vehicles. It is not a direct bolt-in replacement for a factory steering column and requires custom mounting.
Are the mounting tabs already welded to the column?
No. The side mounting tabs are supplied unwelded so the builder can position them around the vehicle's chassis, dashboard, seating arrangement, and steering system before final welding.
What type of bushings does the steering column use?
The WOD steering column uses bronze bushings designed to provide smooth steering shaft operation and durability in demanding off-road and racing applications.
What should I check before final welding?
Confirm the steering wheel position, column tilt range, steering shaft engagement, U-joint clearance, and orbital valve alignment where applicable. Cycle the complete steering system through its operating range to ensure there is no binding or interference before final assembly.
