steering column install problem

[barryv]

hi,i have a 72 barracuda .when i bought it there was an auto column handle shifter column installed.i bought a nice 70-71 ebody  4 speed/floor shifter column.i pulled old column out and when i tried to install floor shifter column ,the shaft/ knuckle at the end of the column was about one and a half inches to short to connect to steering box gear.i tried everything,then took it out to measure against the column mount shifter column and found the floor mount column shaft with nuckle about one and a half inches shorter. any ideas of why one is longer than the other. can i swap the shafts out and if so how hard,thanks

[brads70]

I believe you have run into a manual/ power steering interchange?
Power steering columns are shorter.
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/mamastad.html

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I believe you have run into a manual/ power steering interchange?
Power steering columns are shorter.
http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/mamastad.html

 

   

That would explain it. It doesn't matter what kind of transmission you have.

[Moparal]

The long one is standard steering. the short one is power steering. They are quite easy to swap out. The 72 turn sig harness will be the one for you to use.  The ignition switch harness are 70 only and 72.  the emergency flasher is different on the 70. Also you have an ac harness and a non ac harness. the non will have bigger wires and the connector wont be burnt from too much current.  If you were close to N. Alabama, I would be glad to change your column shaft out for you.

[barryv]

i am trying to bash the shaft out of the longer column and use it for the column that is shorter, i took the 2 clips off on the shaft near the turn signal but still no luck.the steering box that is in my car is powersteering.the column that i bought is from a 1970 so i guess thats why the shaft is shorter. any hints as to how to get shaft out,thanks

[Bullitt-]

I have a PDF file made by a C-C member that illustrates rebuilding a steering column.  PM or email your address & I will send a link for you to download.