Steering Coupler 68 Barracuda Manual Steering
The only thing that keeps them collapsed, or un-collapsed, is a little friction between the inner and outer shafts. From the factory, 50 years ago, there was some sort of plastic melted inside. Sometimes called "shear pins". So that plastic has either broken, or just isn't holding on anymore. Very common thing. The shaft should still have some friction holding it in place. They don't collapse all by themselves. Once you get it back to the correct length, it shouldn't be a problem. The old Mopar steering shaft is basically designed like the bottom illustration.
The only thing that keeps them collapsed, or un-collapsed, is a little friction between the inner and outer shafts. From the factory, 50 years ago, there was some sort of plastic melted inside. Sometimes called "shear pins". So that plastic has either broken, or just isn't holding on anymore. Very common thing. The shaft should still have some friction holding it in place. They don't collapse all by themselves. Once you get it back to the correct length, it shouldn't be a problem. The old Mopar steering shaft is basically designed like the bottom illustration.
