E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Wheels, Tires, Brakes, Suspension & Steering => Topic started by: wimpy on March 23, 2020, 09:26:19 AM

Title: steering coulmn install
Post by: wimpy on March 23, 2020, 09:26:19 AM
How do you guy's reinstall the steering coupler to the steering box shaft? I had to use a prybar to remove it. I put a c-clamp on to try to get some leverage but so far only got it on half way.
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: Rich G. on March 23, 2020, 09:38:12 AM
There is only one slot the coupler will fit on. 1 spline is bigger on the box and coupler. Clean everything real good and it should slide on. Hard to see it but you have to find it and it's best to mark it so you know it's lined up right.
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: RUNCHARGER on March 23, 2020, 09:41:21 AM
Yes: The coupler has a fine notch filed in it that has to correspond with the master spline on the steering shaft. It should slide on by hand if everything is clean and the splines aren't burred up.
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: anlauto on March 23, 2020, 10:10:31 AM
Sheldon hit the nail on the head....have everything cleaned real nice, once lined up properly, you should be able to get it started and on most of the way by hand then maybe some light persuasion with a rubber mallet or something similar ?
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: wimpy on March 23, 2020, 10:49:28 AM
I see a space on the box where there are no splines but the coupler looks to have them all the way around. Would the coupler still be able to go half way on ?
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: anlauto on March 23, 2020, 10:54:24 AM
Quote from: wimpy on March 23, 2020, 10:49:28 AM
I see a space on the box where there are no splines but the coupler looks to have them all the way around. Would the coupler still be able to go half way on ?

The large blank area of the steering box shaft is where the split pin goes between the two spline sections.

On the spline itself is a "main spline" which is about 1/16 wide flat surface that will match up to the main spline in the coupler. (LOOK CLOSELY)
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: wimpy on March 23, 2020, 11:27:19 AM
Ok i'll take another look, I would hope with the wheels heading straight forward an the steering wheel clocked correct it wouldn't be hard to see.
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: GrandpaKevin on March 23, 2020, 12:47:41 PM
The pin is removed correct?
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: wimpy on March 23, 2020, 01:08:28 PM
Quote from: GrandpaKevin on March 23, 2020, 12:47:41 PM
The pin is removed correct?
Oh yeah , pin is out!
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: bc3j on March 23, 2020, 08:00:02 PM
Quote from: wimpy on March 23, 2020, 10:49:28 AM
I see a space on the box where there are no splines but the coupler looks to have them all the way around. Would the coupler still be able to go half way on ?
I have an aftermarket coupler without a master spline. I took a 90* square over the pin hole at the rear that holds the shoes on and it aligns with the notch for the master spline on an OEM coupler. Since my aftermarket coupler does not have a notch I used the square to mark a substitute for the notch. Put a mark there and installed the coupler over the steering gear master spline. The coupler slid on without effort.   
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: wimpy on March 24, 2020, 04:13:30 PM
I was able to locate master spline on both pieces,but still not a slip on fit. Also the splines look a little boogered up, probably why the coupler needed to be pried off to start with. Any suggestions on how to clean them up?
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: RUNCHARGER on March 24, 2020, 05:02:50 PM
A thin points file, sometimes running a knife through will clean them up too. I've hammered a wood chisel through them to clean them as well.
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: JS29 on March 25, 2020, 05:28:10 AM
A small V file comes to mind.  :alan2cents:
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: 73_Cuda_4_Me on March 25, 2020, 06:47:01 AM
 :iagree:

A 6-inch triangle file with fine cut worked for me...

For the cost, a set like this has been invaluable for fixing bolt threads, splines, and such..

https://www.harborfreight.com/needle-file-set-10-pc-69876.html
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: bc3j on March 25, 2020, 06:50:52 AM
Quote from: JS29 on March 25, 2020, 05:28:10 AM
A small V file comes to mind.  :alan2cents:
Do you think a small jewelers v type file would work? Maybe that type wouldn't have enough abrasive filing power for the couplers metal?
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: JS29 on March 25, 2020, 07:16:13 AM
 @bc3j (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/bc3j_75)  I like to try the least abrasive to start. if it laugh's at it, then go courser.   :alan2cents:
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: Brads70 on March 25, 2020, 10:36:45 AM
if all else fails....  :whiteflag:

https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/steering-coupler-body-63-76-with-3_4-shaft-hole/

https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/steering-coupler-body/
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: wimpy on March 25, 2020, 12:58:05 PM
Quote from: Brads70 on March 25, 2020, 10:36:45 AM
if all else fails....  :whiteflag:

https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/steering-coupler-body-63-76-with-3_4-shaft-hole/

https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/steering-coupler-body/
OK so witch one 3 inch or 3 1/2 inch one ?
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: Chryco Psycho on March 25, 2020, 01:10:31 PM
Well I would call & ask assuming they are there
I know there are different diameters depending on manual or power steering
They will have the experience to help you & measure your diameter before calling them
I hope it is the $70 one , the other is stupid expensive  :Thud:
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: Brads70 on March 25, 2020, 03:22:05 PM
Quote from: wimpy on March 25, 2020, 12:58:05 PM
Quote from: Brads70 on March 25, 2020, 10:36:45 AM
if all else fails....  :whiteflag:

https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/steering-coupler-body-63-76-with-3_4-shaft-hole/

https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/steering-coupler-body/
OK so witch one 3 inch or 3 1/2 inch one ?

Can you measure what you have now to see? The one in my car measures 3 1/2 if that helps? 1970 Challenger
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: wimpy on March 25, 2020, 04:45:24 PM
Quote from: Brads70 on March 25, 2020, 03:22:05 PM
Quote from: wimpy on March 25, 2020, 12:58:05 PM
Quote from: Brads70 on March 25, 2020, 10:36:45 AM
if all else fails....  :whiteflag:

https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/steering-coupler-body-63-76-with-3_4-shaft-hole/

https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/steering-coupler-body/
OK so witch one 3 inch or 3 1/2 inch one ?
this one is 3 inch, any idea why they list 2 different sizes.

Can you measure what you have now to see? The one in my car measures 3 1/2 if that helps? 1970 Challenger
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: Brads70 on March 25, 2020, 05:40:51 PM
Quote from: wimpy on March 25, 2020, 04:45:24 PM
Quote from: Brads70 on March 25, 2020, 03:22:05 PM
Quote from: wimpy on March 25, 2020, 12:58:05 PM
Quote from: Brads70 on March 25, 2020, 10:36:45 AM
if all else fails....  :whiteflag:

https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/steering-coupler-body-63-76-with-3_4-shaft-hole/

https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/steering-coupler-body/
OK so witch one 3 inch or 3 1/2 inch one ?
this one is 3 inch, any idea why they list 2 different sizes.

Can you measure what you have now to see? The one in my car measures 3 1/2 if that helps? 1970 Challenger


Good question! I have no idea why there is 2 different sizes?  :notsure:
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: bc3j on March 26, 2020, 11:54:06 AM
My '70 RT 383 with power steering is 3". I thought 3.5" was for manual.
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: wimpy on March 26, 2020, 12:38:17 PM
Well she's on, thanks to a crowbar and piece of wood , the big problem I had was finding the master spline on the coupler. The coupler is 3 inch. Still don't know why 2 different lengths, I think I read somewhere the manual box has a larger diameter gear. Anyhow thanks to everyone's help and guidance with this.
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: RUNCHARGER on March 26, 2020, 01:43:07 PM
Manual steering input shaft is bigger so that's why the coupler is different.
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: Brads70 on March 26, 2020, 02:01:53 PM
Quote from: RUNCHARGER on March 26, 2020, 01:43:07 PM
Manual steering input shaft is bigger so that's why the coupler is different.


:wave: Just trying to learn.....    Ok so the spline bore/diameter if you will is bigger on a manual car.
Ok I got that but why the 2 different lengths of couplers? Mine is 3 1/2" and bc3j has a 3"
Is it a Cuda vs Challenger thing?  :notsure:

Also both the links from Roseville say for power steering but have different lengths?
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: RUNCHARGER on March 26, 2020, 02:05:44 PM
Not sure on the length Brad.
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: Brads70 on March 26, 2020, 02:16:15 PM
 :thinking:  mine originally was a column shift and I converted it to a floor shift. Bought a used column etc.... so mine might not be " correct "  but it all works ok? I'n pretty sure my current column is not correct for a 70 but a later one as it doesn't have the lever to remove key thing.
  Just throwing that info out there if it helps solve the " why 2 different lengths " thing?
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: RJChallenger on March 26, 2020, 02:18:37 PM
Is it a truck verses car thing? I have 2 power steering and 1 manual steering couplers all 3" long
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: RUNCHARGER on March 26, 2020, 02:29:39 PM
Yes: I think it may be a truck thing. They used those couplers into the 80's I believe but I don't have one here to look at.
Title: Re: steering coulmn install
Post by: bc3j on March 26, 2020, 03:01:29 PM
Here's my original coupler.