Steering column to steering box problems

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markfh

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I had my steering box rebuilt and finally got to putting it back into my 68 Dart GTS. Problem is I can't get the column to go completely down the spline shaft of the steering box. What am I doing wrong?

IMG_3459.jpg
 
The spline has a keyed section, is it lined up ok?

Is the coupler and gear the oem units that came apart before rebuilding?
 
I had my steering box rebuilt and finally got to putting it back into my 68 Dart GTS. Problem is I can't get the column to go completely down the spline shaft of the steering box. What am I doing wrong?

View attachment 1715365814
Is the box bolted down tight? If so, try loosening the box then see if shaft goes all the way down. It just might be in a slight bind. Or you could loosen the firewall column mount a little to do the same thing I think.
 
The splines only go on one way. If you have the coupler aligned right, chances are your two piece steering shaft has collapsed a little. Should be able to grab the shaft behind the coupler with channel locks and tap it in a downward motion and it will slide on.
 
Pic shows the little notch in the edge of the coupling that identifies where the master spline inside the bore is. The master spline in shaft should be right there on the top aligned with that notch.
 
Pic shows the little notch in the edge of the coupling that identifies where the master spline inside the bore is. The master spline in shaft should be right there on the top aligned with that notch.

Okay I see that in the picture. Got family things going on till later this week. I'll get it back together.

Thanks all.
 
Are the three bolts that hold the column to the dash tight? If so loosen them, they have about 1" of liner slop in the mounting.
 
I know I'm late to the conversation, but I had the same problem with my E Body. I called "Cardone" the company that I bought the rebuilt steering box from.
I was told that it would not hurt the box if you drive the coupler on with reasonable strikes with a hammer.
I did, (make sure you have lined up the spline correctly and use a brass hammer or something to keep fron damaging the coupler) I drove it on with a few light taps, pulled it of, then repeated a few times until it was fully inserted. Then connected the columm shaft to the coupler. This was two years ago, haven't had a problem. Call Cardon for advice.
 
Don't overlook cleanliness. A small burr or loose chips can cause a bind between mating splines.
 
Thanks all. Sorry for the late reply. Got busy with family stuff and vacation.

Got the box back in without problems once I lined up the spline right. I cleaned it real good and it took a little pushing to get it back together.

My next question is the ground wire on the column. My friend took it off trying to get more mobility and I think i know where it goes but not 100% sure.

I have a diagram that kinds shows where it goes on one end but not the other. I could use a better diagram that isn't all blurred out if anyone has one.

Again, thanks for all your help.
 
the little ground jumper wire goes from a bracket bolt in the column to a mounting stud on the dash. You should have a nut for each mounting stud to support the column then a 3rd nut over the ring terminal on right side stud.
 
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