Steering column too short for steering box

[Stephen B.]

I'm changing steering columns in my '70 back to my original straight column temporarily while I work on my tilt-tele. The straight column is shorter than the tilt-tele and won't bolt up. Any suggestions? Thanks




Here's a picture of the tilt tele.

[Edward J.]

Re: Steering column too short for steering box

Steve, is the steering column bolts tighten inside the car? The brace under the dash is sloted, maybe that will give you alittle more movement.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Steering column too short for steering box

The bolts are loose and have room to move enough distance for connection. I've wondered if the column was moved a little at the crush section? I've encountered that problem before.

[Joe L.]

Re: Steering column too short for steering box

The bolts are loose and have room to move enough distance for connection. I've wondered if the column was moved a little at the crush section? I've encountered that problem before.

Stephen------


I would say that it's very likely that's just what has occurred.

[Edward J.]

Re: Steering column too short for steering box

Steve, can you drop the column down from inside and then hook the coupler up first, then try to bolt up the column.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Steering column too short for steering box

The flange is tight against the firewall. I wonder if I temporarily used longer bolts on the coupler I could pull the steering column crush section back into place?

[Edward J.]

Re: Steering column too short for steering box

Steve, you can try that but be careful the rag joint rubber doesn't rip.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Steering column too short for steering box

Stephen------


I would say that it's very likely that's just what has occurred.

That was my first thought as well. I started to post, but considered that if the column was "crushed", the distance between the rag joint and the bracket mounting the column under the dash should remain the same because the column would most likely have been "crushed" while installed. The effect of the "crush" should be to position the steering wheel closer to the dash.

I think the crush section is made of expanded metal. If the column has been crushed, I believe it has been expended...you can't just stretch the expanded metal back out and have a safe column any longer in my opinion.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Steering column too short for steering box

I'm starting to believe that my column is actually stretched about 1/2" inch and I stretched it some today. I tapped on the top of the steering shaft (with a piece of wood between the hammer and shaft) and the problem became worse. I lengthened the column jacket and thus shortened the shaft end sticking out at the gear box.

I've had this problem with another column. One tube slides into the other to make a crush area. Any comments or corrections as to my analysis?

[Keith L.]

Re: Steering column too short for steering box

I had the same problem and put vice grips on the shaft, and pryed carefully with a 2x4 block against the firewall with a screwdriver. Pulled shaft out about an inch.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Steering column too short for steering box

I want to thank everyone for your input, and I apologize for taking so long to give you an update.

I was able to shrink the column jacket 1/2" to the proper length. For starters, I wedged a piece of wood between the steering box and the flange of the column for stability.



Then I hammered on the top of the column with a brass rod and hammer.



And I also pried the flange against the clutch "Z" bar.



After 20 minutes of alternating between the hammering and the prying, I could attach the rag joint.

Then I had to move the lower bearings back up the shaft with help from the hammer and brass rod. The column has fought me the whole way in. lolol. Now I shall post my next problem in "column-gate" in new thread.

Thanks,

Stephen H. "Bunky" Byrd