I am converting my 85 SE over to power steering. Everything is in the car already, but when I installed the column, it seems awfully short. It does not pull out or move in, so I am guessing that it is not compressed or anything, but I can't figure out how I can make it reach far enough to put the turn signals, etc and covers back on. Is there some adjustment for this somewhere? I engaged the splines of the U-joint just enough to get the bolt through the clamp at the bottom, but that was all I could see that would allow the column to come out further...I can't figure this out. I would appreciate any suggestions I can get. Thanks!


Jon

 

Thats very strange. Does the column mount bolts under the dash line up to mount it?

 

Yep, the bolt slots line up, but the bolts are basically holding the bracket up using the washers because it is right at the edge. I am assuming that the welded on bracket with the slots is the only mounting - seems kind of weird since the manual column had the whole bolt on bracket with the little aluminum inserts that made the column sit a little lower.

The measurement of the actual shaft protruding from the housing is about 2 inches, but the manual column I have measures 3. Is there a different combination switch for this column? I have been trying to use the one I took off the manual column. It is preventing me from fitting the steering wheel due to the reduced amount of shaft exposed.

 

What year did that column come from? I put an 85 column in my 82, and the 85 one was slightly longer. The ignition switch no longer lines up with the hole in the steering column suround.

 

It came from a '84 SE....my car is an '85 SE. I really hope they didnt change the length of the shaft in '85.

I pulled off the column again tonight and also the u-joint. I can't see any way of adjusting the column out to the correct length. No matter what I do, the column comes up one inch short. Anybody have any ideas?

Jon

 

Could anybody out there help me out by taking a measurement of your P/S column from the disconnect end to the tip of the steering wheel threads? I am trying to see if my column is somehow shorter than usual, or if something else is a factor.

Also, is your column bracket simply welded on and have two slots in it for the bolts, or is there more to it than this? I have never actually seen one of these installed before, and the factory workshop manual is less than helpful. (even links to pictures of the install or documentation would help)

Thanks!

 

Another question: anybody know if the P/S column collapses at all? Has anyone done the rivet trick with one of these?