71 dart, collapsible column?

[Cope]

Hi folks, did the 71 darts have a collapsible steering column and if so what section is it? Is it under the dash or in the engine bay?

I want to get rid of.my column but I'd like to use the collapsible section (if its in the engine bay) so I don't get stabbed in the chest by D shaft in an accident

Also what size and spline count is the u joint on the power steering box?

Thanks again.

 

[RogerRamRod]

Not sure about 71, but 68 is a combination of engine bay and under dash. Under the hood where the shaft goes into the approximately 2 inch collar, is a molded plastic piece that is the shear point I believe.
Up under the dash is the mesh steel and the three bolts that hold the column to the dash with plastic sliders/shear point.
Probably somebody else can describe it better, and tell you if 71 is different.

 

[Cope]

I saw the mesh steel section under the dash. That's what got me thinking "is that the collapsible part?"
I saw a video of a camaro where they cut the column and went to D shaft after the joint and it looked clen, just not sure if my dart is the same?

 

[67Dart273]

I saw the mesh steel section under the dash. That's what got me thinking "is that the collapsible part?"
I saw a video of a camaro where they cut the column and went to D shaft after the joint and it looked clen, just not sure if my dart is the same?

YES

 

[Cope]

So your saying the part that telescopes IS in the engine bay and in not the section under the dash?

 

[RogerRamRod]

The telescoping part is under the hood, the collapsing part is under the dash.
As the column collapses and gets shorter it needs some place to go, the part under the hood allows it to go over the shaft, kind of like an extendable antenna.

 

[Cope]

So your saying it has 2 different ways to collapse? I'm sorry I'm fiding this so hard to wrap my head around.
I guess I'll just start cutting mine apart and see what I come up with.

Thanks again.