Steering Column Collar Install

-

jonn6464

1970 Duster
Joined
Mar 29, 2017
Messages
1,066
Reaction score
949
Location
Weatherford, TX
Hey FABO, hope 2020 is off to a great start for all! This is probably an elementary question, so apologies in advance.
I'm reassembling my steering column and am looking for some expertise.
1970 Duster, floor shift steering column, connected to Borgeson box.
What I would call the third collar (not the first collar with turn signal switch, not the second collar with ignition switch) is my issue.
How is it secured to the large steering shaft column jacket tube? On page 19-38 of my FSM it mentions bending some tabs. There was nothing there when I dis-assembled, so I'm not sure what that is. When I install the 4 screws through the second collar (with ignition switch) into the little bosses on the column jacket, it does hold the third collar in the right position but there is still movement and slop in the third collar.
Is there something missing with tabs on it?
Thanks for any input.
 
Last edited:
Hey FABO, hope 2020 is off to a great start for all! This is probably an elementary question, so apologies in advance.
I'm reassembling my steering column and am looking for some expertise.
1970 Duster, floor shift steering column, connected to Borgeson box.
What I would call the third collar (not the first collar with turn signal switch, not the second collar with ignition switch) is my issue.
How is it secured to the large steering shaft housing tube? On page 19-38 of my FSM it mentions bending some tabs. There was nothing there when I dis-assembled, so I'm not sure what that is. When I install the 4 screws through the second collar (with ignition switch) into the little bosses on the shaft housing tube, it does hold the third collar in the right position but there is still movement and slop in the third collar.
Is there something missing with tabs on it?
Thanks for any input.

Found this pic, but not seeing any tabs. I do have the spring installed, but that is not enough to keep it fully secured.

https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/attachments/collarspring-jpg.1714705167/
 
Remember that bottom collar is connected to the shift linkage via the inner shift tube on floor shift automatic, 4spd. and 3spd. floor shift. I believe if you look close you will see a set screw down inside that part. inside the hole. Here is a good video

 
columnsectionimg_01.jpg


As already mentioned, there is a large set screw that secures it to the inner shift tube - nothing else. With the column fully assembled that section will rotate from side to side a little but that's normal.

I have a series of old pictures here: Interior Work - 1970 Plymouth Big Block Duster Project
 
Remember that bottom collar is connected to the shift linkage via the inner shift tube on floor shift automatic, 4spd. and 3spd. floor shift. I believe if you look close you will see a set screw down inside that part. inside the hole. Here is a good video


This is a great tutorial. This really show's what's involved to do a column correctly. Corey does Awesome work.
 
View attachment 1715457943

As already mentioned, there is a large set screw that secures it to the inner shift tube - nothing else. With the column fully assembled that section will rotate from side to side a little but that's normal.

I have a series of old pictures here: Interior Work - 1970 Plymouth Big Block Duster Project

Thanks for the link. From your pics, I'm definitely missing the set screw and what you called the "odd shaped support ring". So, now I need to find out where I can get that support ring. The wave washer is present in my column and I'll grab a set screw from ACE today. Thanks again.
 
Last edited:
Okay, great pic. Thanks

Well, I'm baffled. My bottom collar does not have a hole to allow access to a set screw. Nor is there a hole to insert a set crew on the inside of the collar. The collars have been sandblasted so I'm certain there's no hole hiding under any paint, grime, or grease. Maybe the collars, or the entire steering column, are from a year model that I'm not familiar with.
So, I mocked up the bottom 2 collars onto the column jacket. I torqued down the 4 screws that hold the middle collar to the column jacket and also installed the return spring for the finger lever on the last collar. This does keep the bottom collar fairly stable, but theres still some movement. I dont mean the quarter turn rotation of the finger lever, I'm talking about some up/down, forward/backward movement.
At this point, I do not have a steering shaft tube in place, so I'm not aure if that will also provide some stability to the collar.
 
Ha! That video clears up a mystery for me, thank you!

A while back I had so many emails asking me if I knew what the staple was for in the rubber bearing insulator, know I may know why......


There were so many that I did a short article about it, so anytime someone asks I can just send them this link - The 1970 Hamtramck Registry "Just WHY is there a staple in my steering column upper bearing rubber insulator?"
There you go . I never knew that. That goes with the theory you learn something new everytime you come to this site. Though I would be lost without arguing with you guys sometimes . It keeps me occupied as I'm retired and getting old.
 
-
Back
Top