steering box/steering shaft alignment issue

[Ironmike]

OK got my Flaming River coupler installed and have an issue.

The steering shaft and steering box input didn't line up straight. The steering shaft was actually about 3/8 inch low. Unbolted the three bolts inside the firewall and couldn't move anything.

So...with a LOT of effort got it all drilled and hooked up. Now my steering is way too tight. I'm sure the lower column bushing is causing a binding.

My car didn't come with any lower bushing and I installed one for added support. So now, should I just ditch the bushing? or, Is the power steering box bolted in the frame that would allow a little "wiggle" room for angling the input shaft upward a bit?

I'm surprised that after loosening the 3 firewall bolts, that lower column half wouldn't budge. If it would come up a bit, I think everything would be just fine.

Any suggestions , as usual, are greatly appreciated!

 

[abodyjoe]

did ya loosen the bolts where it attaches tot he dash? may have to looses the bracket on the column too.

 

[Ironmike]

Nope. Didn't loosen anything but the 3 bolts on the inside firewall. Maybe I oughtta loosen everything a bit and see what happens. I'm wondering if I can loosen the box itself and angle it up just a tad......

 

[abodyjoe]

well theres the problem. loosen the ones at the firewall and at the dash and maybe even the mounting plate to column. theres a ton of adjustment in all the places combined.