Steering shaft to short?

[wimpy]

Is there a known overall length for the column, end to end ?

[Aloha Randy]

See attached

[wimpy]

Thanks,I hope i can measure shaft without removing it from column.

[Aloha Randy]

Not really, its got to come out for the measurement and also the repair. Just plan a weekend and take your time, once finished, you should never have to touch it again.

[anlauto]

Personally, I think you're over thinking this...just tap on the coupler with a rubber mallet until it's fully seated on the splines and put the drift pin back and you're done

[wimpy]

Not really, its got to come out for the measurement and also the repair. Just plan a weekend and take your time, once finished, you should never have to touch it again.

I disassembled it and rebuilt it about 3 yrs ago. The shaft was fine then i have no reason to think it is damaged now.

[wimpy]

Personally, I think you're over thinking this...just tap on the coupler with a rubber mallet until it's fully seated on the splines and put the drift pin back and you're done

Already tried that didn''t want to wallop to hard.

[wimpy]

If i break the shaft loose to make it reach what will the harm be ? the shaft won't fall out once its connected to the steering box ?

[dodj]

Pretty tough to measure the shaft length installed.
Of course before walloping anything make sure you really have everything installed properly, correct steering box, column in correct spot etc....ie double check the column installation. Make sure you actually have a matching steering box.
The steering column doesn't even require the plastic pins except for making assembly of the column easier.

[Aloha Randy]

Yes the pins do nothing really once the assemblies are mated together. But caution as DOJI said, don't wallop on the assembled column to release / lengthen the shaft! The upper part of the assembly had fragile clip rings and bearings that will bend or break. I wanted to do that myself but resisted the temptation. You can do it right in 2 hours or less.

[wimpy]

Well my steering shaft measured 40" so i marked it then clamped it in the vice and pulled it out 3/4" reinstalled everything ,So far so good.

[usraptor]

I know when I disconnected the coupling from the steering box, in the process of prying the coupling off the steering box splines I collapsed the steering shaft.  After I rebuilt the column I had the same issues with the shaft being to short.  I pulled it out, as others have suggested here, and problem solved.