Steering Shaft Moves

[money pit]

On my 70 Barracuda with manual steering, I noticed if you pull up on the steering wheel, there is a 1/2 gap between the steering column and the crush can. I posted this problem before. Some people responded that the shaft may have collapsed, like it's supposed to. The other day I noticed that the top rubber seal on the steering coupler was bulging out when I pulled up on the steering wheel. It moves the same amount that the crush can does.. That led me to believe the steering column was still intact. Is there something in the steering coupler that prevents this movement? I know there is a small roll pin that supposed to prevent the shaft from completely coming out. I watched the rebuild videos done by Cuda Cody. I know there are some parts missing in the column (lock out plate, and snap rings) The plan is to convert to power steering. So If I have to cut the shaft, should I not worry about it?  Thanks

[pschlosser]

It may be that roll pin you refer to, has broken.  But it may also be, you have a "column shift-type" steering column, and poorly modified to work as a "floor shift" steering column.  There are slightly different mechanically around the crush can area.  It may be possible the mod added some movement on the shaft.

I have thought for many years, the steering columns between power and manual steering are the same.  Only the coupler at the end of the shaft is different.

BTW, when pulling on the steering wheel that half-inch, have you looked to see if the shaft pulls on the coupler to the steering box?  If not, it could reinforce the "broken roll pin" theory.

[money pit]

When I pull on the steering column, the shaft moves out of the coupler about a 1/2inch. This causes the rubber seal to be pulled out about the same amount. I'll try to send some photos later. I did notice the steering column has the linkage for an automatic or column shift manual trans.  T%hanks

[money pit]

Here are some pictures of the steering coupler and steering shaft. I made a mark on the shaft so you can see how much the the shaft moves in and out of the steering coupler.