what's the best way to crimp the seal on the steering shaft?

[brads70]

Trying to finish up the steering column  and getting frustrated trying to crimp the seal on the steering coupler? Any words of wisdom?

[shadango]

I think I used a pair of vice grips....couldnt get it perfect though...cussed a lot....and ended up tearing the boot in the process...  

I have to change that out again at some point when the column is out again...LOL...

[dodj]

I used very large channel-lock pliers. Worked well for me.

[FJ5_440]

Use a couple of clamps to hold the retainer in place. Use a big Channellock to crimp it on, then stake the crimps slightly with a small punch or cold chisel

[brads70]

Thats what I tried first but when I tried the clamps but they kept falling off, not much to clamp to. When I tried to use a chisle to stake them that's when they fell off.

[Chryco Psycho]

I prebend the tabs & just snap it over & try to bend the tabs tight after it is on 

[brads70]

Thanks everyone for the replies, I'll give it another go tonight after work.

[tommyg29]

yep, its poorly designed.
I also ended up using a hammer and chisel to crimp the tabs!
Not enough room to work down there.

[brads70]

I had the column out of the car. So I clamped the seal and retainer in the vise and used a hammer and dull chisel to bend the tabs over. Yep it's a stupid design, but I won in the end!

[FJ5_440]

yep, its poorly designed.
I also ended up using a hammer and chisel to crimp the tabs!
Not enough room to work down there.

WOW it was a giant pain in the butt to do it with the column out of the car, I can't imagine how you did it with a 440 in the way!

[nqkjw]

These US steering couplers are different to anything on our Oz Chryslers so I fought with them trying to figure out how they are fitted correctly.
Tried all sorts of ways and made all the mistakes and methods you blokes mention above and gave up trying to do it right.

In the end I just tack welded the retaining plate on

[brads70]

In the end I just tack welded the retaining plate on

LOL that was my next move, but I got it installed ok in the end.

[dodj]

Yep it's a stupid design

It's hard to believe that it's the best they could come up with at the time.