Moparts Tech Archive

Steering Gear

Steering Column ?'s

=====================================

440cuda
New Member
Posts: 3
From: Ferndale, Mich, USA
Registered: Mar 2002
posted 07-19-2002 04:09 PM

1970 Cuda, 4 speed. There is an arm comming off the steering column in the engine compartment that is moved to get the key out of the ignition. I'm going to assume that some sort of linkage connects to this to the trans. (possibly reverse)I have nothing there and I can't find out what I need because I don't see it in any of my manuals. Any ideas what all I'm missing, and where I might round up the parts?
Thanks,
Dave
=============================================

Quick Kurt
Moparts Member
Posts: 1346
From: Pittsburgh, Pa, USA
Registered: Jan 2002
posted 07-19-2002 04:23 PM

Yep, it's the one-year-only transmission lock.
On an automatic, most of the parts are the same as a column auto linkage, except that the link from the bellcrank to the trans lever has a hole in it, instead of a rod end.

Ona 4-speed, there is a unique bellcrank, with a slotted adjustment built in, and it goes to the reverse lever, as you suspected.

I think that Hemispherical Productions reproduces the 4-spped lockout linkage, and can provide you with all the parts.

909-929-9767
============================================

70Paul
New Member
Posts: 17
From: Cleveland, OH
Registered: Mar 2002
posted 07-19-2002 04:23 PM

I have the same thing on my 70RR. I have all the rods & linkage for it but it's not hooked up since I'm using a scatter shield. When it's hooked up it forces you to put car in reverse to get the key out of the ignition.
Paul
============================================

Quick Kurt
Moparts Member
Posts: 1346
From: Pittsburgh, Pa, USA
Registered: Jan 2002
posted 07-19-2002 04:34 PM

Paul, that right, but the actual intent was that you could not turn the key to the "lock" position while the car is moving. The steering would lock, and you could wreck the car.
===========================================

info provided by members listed above

=====================================

todd440
posted 02-11-2002 09:15 PM

What donor cars can I use, and what years? This is for manual steering, and the shifter location isn't an issue.
============================================

Dennis
posted 02-11-2002 10:22 PM

If you are using a column shift, you will have to use a 66 mast jacket. If it is a floor shift, the mast jacket/steering shaft interchanges between all 62-66 B bodies. The mast jacket will interchange between all 62-66 A & B bodies if you re-use your old steering shaft. In any event, you will need to re-use your old toeplate. Dennis
===========================================

info provided by members listed above

=====================================

340duster71
Moparts Member
Posts: 117
From: Tampa, Fl, USA
Registered: Dec 2001
posted 05-29-2002 09:59 PM

How difficult is it to lower a steering column? It doensn't seem too difficult, but I have never done it before. (this will be on a 70 Charger 440).

I am removing the Dash from my charger and the experts over at the charger board tell me that I need to lower my steering column so I can pull the plugs out of the gages and pull off the dash (its in the way). They said that I can lower it. Never done it.
===========================================

hablox
Moparts Member
Posts: 125
From: Loxahatchee, Florida USA
Registered: Mar 2002
posted 05-29-2002 10:28 PM

If it's anything like my A body, all you do is remove the closeout panel under the column and then under the dash there are 3 bolts that hold the column to a structural member. you can then lower it several inches, probably enough for your application.
Easy job.
===========================================

JohnRR
Moderator
Posts: 7817
From: Ma.
Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-30-2002 02:49 PM

it will also help some to loosen the 4 bolts at the firewall .
is the car going to be down for a bit ? if so i find it way easier to work on the dash with the column out . at least pull the steering wheel
===========================================

info provided by members listed above

=====================================

65rbdodge
Moparts Member
Posts: 683
From: moscow pa. u.s.a.
Registered: Apr 2001
posted 05-26-2002 01:56 PM

all right, its not a matter of using a puller to get the wheel off, i cant get the chrome rim blow center thingy off. there are no screws or bolts that hold it on. someone told me to push it in and turn it counterclock wise it only turns about 3/8in and stops. i`m turning it with all my might and it won`t move. any suggestions? its a 65 coronet.
=============================================

Junky
Moparts Member
Posts: 698
From: Oregon, USA
Registered: Apr 2001
posted 05-26-2002 02:07 PM

How strange. I recently took mine off and did it by turning it counter clock wise. Came right off. I'm gonna go out and see/look at it to make double sure. I'll be right back.
============================================

Junky
Moparts Member
Posts: 698
From: Oregon, USA
Registered: Apr 2001
posted 05-26-2002 02:12 PM

OK, I took hold of the steering wheel with one had and took hold of the horn ring with the other. Turned the horn ring about 1/4 of a turn counter clock wise and it came right off. Goes back on the same...
*edit* Didn't need to push in on it either, just turn it
============================================

info provided by members listed above

=====================================

=====================================

71dart
Moparts Member
Posts: 134
From: Hannibal,Mo USA
Registered: Mar 2001
posted 08-01-2002 07:52 PM

I put a floor shifter in my 71 dart and I was wondering where I could get the piece on the steering column to replace the P-R-D-2-1 indicator. Any help would be appreciated
===========================================

dtdickens
Moparts Member
Posts: 2163
From: Littleton,NC , USA
Registered: Dec 1999
posted 08-01-2002 09:41 PM

Dart......what you'll need to find is either a 4/3 speed car(floor shift).....or a floor shift automatic. I got mine (complete column) from a Vendor here on Moparts. There are also 2 different(complete) columns.....one for manual steering and one for Power Steering-so be aware of what you're getting before hand and compare to what you got-if going for a complete column swap. If you got this route, take the time to replace the ignition switch inside, far easier now. You can just replace the top part and could use either a manual steer or PS steer for the parts.
Mopar Muscle did an article awhile back and what they did was take the upper part of the column apart and just cut off the P-R-D part using a dremel tool + filed down. After the surgery, they applied basically JB weld, filed down again and final sanded to get it all slick and back "round looking"- primed and repainted. I think they also trimmed off the lever at the base of the column for the auto linkage. Just another option.
===========================================

=====================================

musclecarmania
New Member
Posts: 20
From: edison nj usa
Registered: Mar 2002
posted 01-19-2003 06:09 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just took the maual steering box out of my 70 challenger conv. I mounted the power unit and took some measurements but I,m still not sure how much to shorten the column. If anyone has done this I would appreciate any info you can give me...Thanks
IP: Logged

magnum-man
Moparts Member
Posts: 386
From: Clinton,Illinois,usa
Registered: Jul 2002
posted 01-19-2003 06:12 PM

The column shaft should claspe inside its self.. Just tap the end of the shaft with a hammer until it is the correct lenght.

==================================

Fastfrankie
Moparts Member
Posts: 956
From: NJ by Philadelphia, PA
Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-19-2003 06:14 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And as much as people will disagree with me...after you collapse the column to the proper length, put a small tack weld on where the two slide together. A tack weld will break heaven forbid you get in an accident. I spot welded mine years ago...
IP: Logged

James Tait
Moparts Member
Posts: 875
From: Montrose, NY USA
Registered: Dec 1999
posted 01-20-2003 01:34 AM

Yes, the column shaft will collapse. You will actually see where there two holes , one for p.s, one for m.s and they filled the holes with a plastic that would easily shear under impact. No cutting is required

======================================

We use plastic bolts like below to replace the plactis used from the factory setup.
carl

====================================

Tech Index