My 72 442 does not have a hole in the rod like this one does for the pin. This is the rod that connects the steering column to the transmission. Was there another way to keep this rod connected?

 

I have never seen them attached any other way. Not saying I know it all but maybe recheck yours very carefully? I have seen it where the cotter pin gets broken off inside the hole and it looks like it does not have a hole.

 

Does it have a slot all the way around for an e-clip? I'm inclined to think the hole has the pin busted off in it and some rust is covering it up as suggested above. Might hit it with a wire wheel and see what you come up with. What was holding it the bracket when you took it off?

 

No slot and I will recheck the rod again tonight for broken cotter pin. I thought maybe the plastic bushing might be covering the hole and needs pushed back some. The rod was not connected when i got the car. The car didnt have a steering column in it. I'm putting a car back together for my 15yr old daughter. Thanks guys, I figured it should connect just like my other 72.

 

So I put some PB blast on the end of the rod and was able to slide the plastic bushing back and seen the hole. Thanks guys.