hurstman1972

I'm refurbing a steering column for a '72 H/O, and was wondering what the overall length of the steering shaft is. (mine's 33-5/8") This is the piece inside the steering column, not the intermediate shaft. Any help is appreciated, since mine seems about 1/2" too short to bolt the interm. shaft clamp on and mount the locking plate on at the steering wheel end. Thanks!

MDchanic

I have a dumb question, but you know that the locking plate has to be pressed in against the spring at a fairly considerable pressure, and that the column shaft will push forward toward the engine until the locking plate is secured with the snap ring?

The locking plate CAN be installed properly with just a couple of screwdrivers if the column is installed in the car, though it is difficult, and can be installed much more easily whether in the car or on the bench, with an installer tool available at most auto parts stores (Lisle, Help!, etc.) for about $15.

- Eric

hurstman1972

Eric- I've reinstalled the locking plate in the past and was pretty aware of the pressure needed to compress the spring behind it while installing the snap ring (column in the car). The column's out now, and the pressure needed seems VERY excessive, and I'm afraid I'll crush the cancelling cam. I've checked the column dimensions against the svc manual specs, and it's OK there. I'm afraid the shaft has been hammered on at some point and has collapsed - hence my question about the correct length.
Thanks for any advice!

MDchanic

All I can think of is that the shaft is backed up by the forward shaft section and the steering box when it's in the car, but unless you are holding yours with the bottom against a hard surface (like the floor), maybe the shaft is inching forward as you press on it and getting away from you.

If it's not that, then I'm stumped.

- Eric

oddball

I accidentally tried to install the locking plate upside down the first time. Probably not your problem, but worth embarrassing myself.

70Post

A "rough" measurement on a mostly assembled '72 tilt column (lock plate not yet installed) shows something very close to what you are getting (33 - 5/8"). If you are lacking 1/2" or more something else is likely wrong as I have no reason to believe the column I have here is collapsed at all. Tilt and non-tilt should have the same overall length internal steering shafts.

I'll see what else I have access to here in a non-tilt form.

hurstman1972

I really appreciate all the advice on this issue - this is a father/son HS Sr yr project on my old college car, so it def. has some significance to us! Thanks again!

hurstman1972

I finally got the steering shaft length -34", no less. To be installed tonight!

MDchanic

Excellent! Let us know if your shaft really was short!



- Eric