Steering column installation Issues

[Triph75]

I am having trouble figuring out why my steering column doesn't quite fit right. I hope it just me over looking something super obvious, but I am at a loss right now. First of all its a power steering column going to a power steering unit. This set up came from a '73 Duster I had and have sense switched it over to this car a '71 Duster. When it is flat on the firewall as it would be for final installation the shaft is not long enough to reach the coupling correctly and it is to short to hit the mounting bolts on the interior?? Now this set up was also in another '71 for moving around purposes and it fit just fine. Can someone help me with the obvious :scratch:

 

[340plot]

the power steering colunm is shorter than a manual steering colunm

 

[340plot]

ok, sorry, should of read the post more carefully.lol

that cover at the firewall, it is able to slide either towards the front or rear of the colunm

 

[Triph75]

There are 2 parts the 3 bolt flange that bolts to the firewall and then the 2 bolt flange that bolts to the 3 bolt one. I believe there is a little bit of play once you bolt the 2 bolt flange down, but right now it is bottomed out toward the engine bay so the coupler doesn't reach where it is suppose to, I think I might be able to pull it back to get the mounting locations, but then I won't even be close to the coupling.

Is there any part of the column that is adjustable??

I will have to take another look at it tomorrow when its a little warmer.

 

[SGBARRACUDA]

The inner steel shaft is collapsible. I think the inner shaft has slid together. You should be able to pull the shaft apart and therefore the column will line up to the studs.

 

[pauly v.100]

The inner steel shaft is collapsible. I think the inner shaft has slid together. You should be able to pull the shaft apart and therefore the column will line up to the studs.

bingo!
give the shaft at the coupler end a good yank, it should end up longer. might have to pull the column back out of the car to accomplish.

 

[RedFish]

The box coupling has about 3/8 inch linear movement also. Since the factory used a fiber filled grease in there it may not move easy. Try not to pull that box coupling completely apart. Getting it's cover to stay on is a chore in itself. Good luck

 

[Triph75]

Thanks, I will give that a shot when I get home tonight.

 

[Triph75]

It worked! took a little persuasion, but its ready to steer the car now.

Thanks.