Belly Mower / Steering Shaft Question

[Motion]

I believe I have a Danco 42" belly mower, the blades /bushings/bolts, mount between the upper blade arm and a lower arm which has an additional metal plate midway between, the question is does this plate face up or should it face down? Second question has anyone shortened their steering shaft if so what's the best method? Thanks

[Rudi]

This is the IH Danco C-2 Rotary Mower 10-27-67 Operator's Manual and Setting Up Instructions.

Why do you want to shorten the steering shaft

[Motion]

I've the custom seat and the steering wheel feels too close, I'm considering shortening it by about three inches.

[Rudi]

This is simply my opininion, but I would look at modifying the seat mount to allow the seat to be moved by by the three inches before I would even think of touching the steering shaft. When you cut it, not only with the length be changed, so will the height of the wheel.

[Motion]

Good point. Thanks