Steering column splines.

[DonkeyApple]

In the world of classic Landies and Rangies the steering columns have what is refered to as a 'narrow' column and a spline count of 36. Later Landies switched to a thicker column and a 48 spline count.

Over in the US the hotrod market references a 1" 48 spline and a 3/4" 36 spline column.

So, is this coincidence or is it a clue that generally splines among the steering wheel fraternity are standardised?

On a slightly different note, are the ring and stud spacings in aftermarket wheels also standardised so that if you bought an adaptor hub for one spline type then any after market wheel will attach or does each manufacturer have its own design?

The reason for the sudden interest is that I have an aftermarket wheel on a Rangie project that I have which doesn't look at all right and has to be removed but what if like to do is fit a wheel that resembles the early 80s Rangie design but is at least one inch less in diameter just to make getting in and out easier. As a result I am need of a little education on the history of steering column spline counts and diameters.

Being a Rover product I'm sure there are synergies with other Rovers but none of the wheel designs are suitable even if they match.

Thanks.

[DonkeyApple]

Also, quite a few car makes appear to have gone from a narrow column to a wider one around the early 90s and some manufacturers just fitted adaptor sleeves for a while. I remember VW were one.

Again, of no use unless there is some form of industry standards etc?

[grumpy52]

Was this about the time that collapsible steering columns became the norm ?
I do remember back in the day having to buy a different hub for my Mountney wheel for every car , I ended up with about seven of the things .