Steering column collapsed??

[bking4aday]

Hi all. I am in the process of restoring my 70 Challenger RT. I’ve rebuilt the steering column, but it’s now too short to engage the steering box. I know there are plastic shear pins in the shaft, but didn’t notice it being collapsed. The photo shows dimensions from the firewall. I was hoping someone could provide some reference dimensions before I disassembled everything. Thanks in advance!

 

[Rapidfire]

Does this help?

 

[bking4aday]

Does this help?

Yes, thanks. That does help to confirm my issue. I’m just still not sure if I have a collapsed column or if I somehow miss assembled something when rebuilding the column. I’m about half tempted to start hammering on the rag joint, but common sense is telling me to wait.

Does this help?

 

[EW1BH27]

Here's a steering column assembly video, it's Part 4. I left out Parts 1, 2 & 3.

 

[bking4aday]

Here's a steering column assembly video, it's Part 4. I left out Parts 1, 2 & 3.

Thanks. Ya that video series is fantastic. That’s actually what I used for the rebuild. I’m just still not sure about the actual correct length of the shaft when installed. I guess I will disassemble and check the 16” dimension quoted in the video.

 

[Challenger RTA]

The steering column original to car? power steering or manual? they are different lengths.

click here : Steering Column Click here: 2 Plastic steering shaft connectors broke​

 

[bking4aday]

It is power. All original parts that operated properly before the rebuild.

Can anyone inform me what would happen if I just forced the shaft to lengthen, essentially shearing the plastic pins? Not ideal, but once installed - what difference would it make?

 

[Challenger RTA]

Nothing.

 

[Challenger RTA]

It's probably more than likely the shear pins broke from a bump or age. May want to put a worm clamp or other (duct tape) to hold to length.Until you fix it if need be.will still slide in if there was a front end collision.Like your looking forward to that happening. Click on link 2 above. there is a measurement to set the shaft.

 

[rklein71]

It's a two-piece shaft, the lower shaft slides in and out, I believe to allow the column to collapse in the event of a big crash. You should be able to clamp onto the lower shaft and gently tap on the clamp with a hammer and it should slide down.

 

[Katfish]

Please post what you end up finding, I suspect mine is collapsed too.
Would be nice to have a measurement from the collar to that welded section.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Please post what you end up finding, I suspect mine is collapsed too.
Would be nice to have a measurement from the collar to that welded section.

With the shaft connected to to steering box.The measurement that matters the most is this one.

 

[Katfish]

I see 13/16", but what is that reference point?
I don't see a dimple or pin in my shaft?

 

[Challenger RTA]

From the coupling seal to center of the hole. look again for the hole or dimple.

 

[Katfish]

Thx for the info, will look closer

 

[BergmanAutoCraft]

Pull the shaft to the proper length. Happens all the time. Nylon was injected into the joint to hold the length during assembly. These shafts were set at either the power or manual length when new.

 

[bking4aday]

Appreciate all the info folks. I’ll be checking in this more here shortly and provide an update.

 

[bking4aday]

Appreciate all the info folks. I’ll be checking in this more here shortly and provide an update.

 

[bking4aday]

View attachment 96454

So - turns out the column was collapsed. This must have occurred several years ago during disassembly. Over time, the rust/corrosion had really locked these parts together. It took some heat and numerous pretty aggressive impacts with a heavy hammer.

Anyway, mystery solved. Sure appreciate all the help!!

 

[Challenger RTA]

I used a flap disk to clean mine up.It did a nice job. There are groove on the inside shaft to help line up with the holes.