70 cuda power steering column can't get it to reach the steering box

[rford1947]

So we had our steering column and box all set up to find out that the steering box was no good.  Autozone told us they had one for a 70 cuda so we traded in our old one without comparing the two but it looks to be the same.

Now we can't get the steering shaft into the steering coupling while the coupling is pinned onto the steering box.  We had it to the point where the end of the shaft with the two square pieces whatever they're called were about half way into the coupling but it seemed to either bind in the coupling or the shaft wouldnt slide any farther, we couldn't decipher.

So we pulled the entire column out a little to try to break it free and now we're trying to slide it back in and we're a full inch away from even reaching the coupling. Somehow we can't even get it as far as we had it before.

I guess my question is will the steering shaft slide out a little independently from the column? Is there a lock or something to adjust length? Anything else anyone can think might be our problem?

I'm also wondering if the new gearbox is a different length. Can anyone tell me how long a power steering gearbox is supposed to be? We traded in the old one and can't compare.

[dodj]

It is possible you partially collapsed the shaft. They are held by silicone/plastic pins. May be sheared.

[Chryco Psycho]

There are nylon shear pins in between the inner & outer steering shaft , obviously the pins are sheared off , you can disassemble the shaft & try to repair the pins or tap it back out & connect it , in theory the shaft cannot disconnect if it is assembled properly with the retainer pin pressed into the coupler .