Steering knuckle to steering box issue

[thedarkside]

Hi all,

Hopefully this isn't too dumb of a question but I am finishing up on the 70 Challenger and have run into an issue. The knuckle from the column doesn't seem to want to seat fully onto the input shaft of the steering box. The column has been rebuilt and is flush mounted to the inside of the cab and it doesn't seem to be binding anywhere. Is is possible the shaft is too short? Or do I just have to push the knuckle further down on the shaft? The only thing I can think of is that since it is a new steering box that the paint over the input shaft may be causing it to bind. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[Changin Gears]

Looks like the roll pin might still be in there.

[Chryco Psycho]

 
 you need to remove the roll pin , slide the coupler down & then install the roll pin to lock into the groove in the shaft .

[67vertman]

I ran into the same issue one my car.  Clean the threads and apply a light coat of oil to the spines.  It also helped to have a helper, inside the car pushing on the column while you guide the shaft onto the spines.

[thedarkside]

I ran into the same issue one my car.  Clean the threads and apply a light coat of oil to the spines.  It also helped to have a helper, inside the car pushing on the column while you guide the shaft onto the spines.

Thanks. I'll try that. I just rechecked and the roll pin isn't in the coupler and just seems to not want to seat. I obviously want to avoid hammering on the shaft so hopefully I can get it with a little pushing. The column bracket is flush against the firewall so I wonder if there is still some slack left in the coupler itself.

[dodj]

Looks like the roll pin might still be in there.

It really does look like it is in there.

[solarguy]

It's been awhile since I had my column out but I seem to remember the splines being keyed so coupler only goes on one way

[Chryco Psycho]

there are keyed but you can see the master spline lines up with the notch in the coupler so it is lined up .

[Skunkworks Challenger]

Check the coupler for burrs, dried grease or paint.  The hole for the roll pin could have a burr from driving out the roll pin in the dis-assembly process.

[Skunkworks Challenger]

I forgot to mention to be very careful when applying downward pressure, not to break the nylon pin in the upper shaft.  The pin is what allows the column to collapse in an accident.

[HP2]

Check the coupler for burrs, dried grease or paint.  The hole for the roll pin could have a burr from driving out the roll pin in the dis-assembly process.

That's my thought as well. I've seen these develop a small burr or nicks on either ofhte mating surfaces in the refurb process that then makes things tough to get back together. It doesn'thave to be very big either.

[swede-cuda]

Thanks. I'll try that. I just rechecked and the roll pin isn't in the coupler and just seems to not want to seat. I obviously want to avoid hammering on the shaft so hopefully I can get it with a little pushing. The column bracket is flush against the firewall so I wonder if there is still some slack left in the coupler itself.

    no,theres no slack in the coupler..your saying the column bracket is flush with the firewall..thats great,but it slides on the column up and down if i remember right.. so,loosen the 3 bracket bolts that holds it to the firewall..step 2,loosen the 2 bolts that holds the bracket to the column..step 3, loosen the 2 nuts on the upper bracket and slide the column down(theres maybe an inch of adjustment on the upper bracket)..if it still wont reach,then i would think the collumn must have been telescoped,and you will have to find a way to withdraw the lower shaft from the upper a bit to make it reach.okidoki Anders