What year steering column does my 1971 Challenger use?

[cdawg]

I think I might have to replace my steering column soon .My question is that my car was built in August of 1970. It currently has a 1970 style column. Is that type correct on my car ? How do I know what is correct for it.  1971 RT automatic with power steering and floor shift. 

Thanks

Russ

[72bluNblu]

It could be original to your car. "Correct" kind of depends on how you look at it. Ma Mopar had a way of using up the previous years parts before using the new stuff. Production for the new model year started in August, so an early August built car very well might have some pieces from the previous model year.

My 8/17/71 built '72 model Challenger has '71 window mechanisms, a '71 style fuel tank, and a few other little carryovers that were supposed to be different on the '72 cars.

[Chryco Psycho]

I assume you have all the interlock mechanism for the steering column from the trans so it will be easier to replace it with a 70 column , why does it need replacing though ?

[72bluNblu]

whay does it need replacing though ?

Good point, only the bearings and the steering coupler actually wear. Those are much easier to replace than the entire column.

[cdawg]

I don't have the interlock mechanism. The lockout column or shaft or whatever you call it is on the steering column and keeps rubbing on the steering shaft. I don't think that is right and when I read the post about the bearing to replace the plastic seal kind of decided i will rebuilt or replace  the steering column depending on the shape of the internals .

[Chryco Psycho]

if it is rubbing at the bottom maybe all you need to do is loosen the 3 bolts on the floor & center the column up ?