Steering Column

[Bill B.]

65 327/300 Coupe.

The steering column is out of the car and I've replaced the upper and lower bearings and T/S switch as well as cancelling cam. Is there a procedure to doing all the adjustments while the column is out of the car so all I need to do is slip it into the steering coupler on reassembly? What is the best way to compress the lower bearing spring? Also, I've read that the steering shaft should go halfway into the coupler. Does that mean halfway into the coupler half closest to the firewall or completely into the upper coupler half? I marked the location for the shaft relative to the coupler before disassembly so I'm comfortable reinstalling it that way but just wanted to ask for safety's sake. Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas to all.

Bill B.

[Gene M.]

Re: Steering Column

I don’t know what you mean by adjustments. Just follow the assembly in the AIM. The 12 point screw positions the joint on the box. The ‘65 has flats to correctly position the shaft and the AIM should cover the rest as I recall.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Steering Column

Bill,

The steering shaft is to go approx half way into the upper (firewall side) flange of the coupler.

To compress the lower spring out of the car, turn the shaft upside down so the steering wheel side is on the floor and compress the spring from the top and snug the clamp, you will have much more leverage doing it this way. Remember, the book say's .020 between coils so don't make it solid.

[Harry S.]

Re: Steering Column

Bill, pay attention to the marks on the rag joint, steering wheel, steering shaft and how the steerng shaft fits into the rag joint. The rag joint was installed first and there is a specific allignment onto the steering box. Study the AIM and the Shop manual and you should be ok.