71 Steering Column Lockout Tube

[CudaA39]

My steering column in my 71 didn't have the lockout tube.  I had the plastic bearing and clip at the engine side, but no tube (looking for one if you have it).  Watched Cody's videos, noticed my steering column drum does not have the Allen screw to hold it to the lockout tube, only a spring to return the key lock drum to position.

Did the design change in 71 where this Allen screw was not required?  Not sure if 70 had the spring loaded column key lock, or if I'm totally missing something here.  Once I removed the 4 hexhead screws that attached to the column, the drum just came off.

[anlauto]

No 1971 steering columns have the inner tubes except column shift cars, it's not required. It was a design change for 1971.

[Rich G.]

I have a column out of my 71 , I never took it apart.

[CudaA39]

Np 1971 steering columns have lock out tubes, it's not required. It was a design change for 1971.

Thank you for that info...do these use a different bearing that seals tight to the actual steering column shaft?  Anyone have an exploded view of this portion of the assembly?  I only have a 70 service manual and a 71 body manual.

[71vert340]

 Service manuals are provided on this site. Go up to "Resources" and scroll down to manual you want. Also a video available on this site.
Terry W.

[anlauto]

Np 1971 steering columns have lock out tubes, it's not required. It was a design change for 1971.

Thank you for that info...do these use a different bearing that seals tight to the actual steering column shaft?  Anyone have an exploded view of this portion of the assembly?  I only have a 70 service manual and a 71 body manual.

NO...there is a big open gap between the plastic bearing and the actual shaft..the aftermarket bearing sometimes include a rubber filler if you want it...or you could install an actual bearing used on A & B Bodies.

[CudaA39]

Service manuals are provided on this site. Go up to "Resources" and scroll down to manual you want. Also a video available on this site.
Terry W.

Thanks Terry, but the 71 manual only refers to column shifted setups with the lockout tube.  No mention that I could see of floor shifted cars.

I see classic industries sells both a seal + plastic bearing kit, but also an actual needle bearing + plastic bearing kit, both claim to be for e bodies.  Based on replies above, there was no bearing, could this be some sort of aftermarket claimed improvement?

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/all-years/dodge/challenger/parts/mw755.html

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/mw759.html

[anlauto]

That bearing was NEVER used on any E Body, Classic Industries is wrong. HOWEVER, it will work and you can use it no problem. I've put that bearing in all the resto-mod steering columns with rack & pinion steering that I've built for extra support.