Steering Column Help

[JJSZABO]

I need help

I was trying to install my steering wheel last night and ran into a snag.  The plastic horn shaft was in the 7:00 oclock position - I needed it in the 1:00 oclock position for my new steering wheel to go on.  So I needed to rotate the steering sheft 180 degrees.  I disconnected the steering shaft from the intermediate shaft (the little shaft that goes between the steering shaft and the gear box - the little shaft with the rag joint attached to it) and rotated the steering shaft 180 degrees.  Ok - so far so good.  Now I went to install the intermediate shaft back to the steering shaft, and I couldn't get the inermediate shaft back on.  The pinch bolt had "crushed" the end of the intermediate shaft just enough so the shafts would not go together easy.  Is there suppose to be resistance there or are the shafts suppose to go back together easy?

So - I tried to "tap" the steering shaft with the Steering wheel nut on (so I wouldn't booger up the threads) with a rubber mallet and the shaft moved down but did not go on the intermediate shaft.  How could the SOLID shaft move (when tapped) and not move on the intermediate shaft?  Looking at my shop manual, I think I may have sheared the the plastic shaft pins - If I did, am I scr-wed?

Am I in need of a new column?

All of this because I originally installed the steering column 180 degrees off.  I had a 50-50 chance to get this right and didn't.

Thanks for the help guys.

[ccz145a]

Supposed to go together easy, mine had some grease in there. I think your alright, though. I thought the shaft was colapsable, if so it just absorbed the thrust you put on it. I would loosen the column from the dash, remove the intermediate shaft, count turns lock to lock and the turn the wheel half that # to get centered, make sure the wheels are pointing straight and stab it all back together, put some grease where the intermediate shaft couples the steering column and gently drive it from the engine side.

If you broke something it should be obvious.

[Captkaos]

I remember the rag joint having different sizes so it will only go on one way. Did you rotate the shaft 180 and then try to bolt it on?

[JJSZABO]

I remember the rag joint having different sizes so it will only go on one way. Did you rotate the shaft 180 and then try to bolt it on?

Yes, the rag joint is not the problem.  I was able to rotate the steering shaft 180 degrees, but was unable to push the other end of the intermediate shaft (the rectangle end with the pinch bolt and nut) back onto the bottom of the steering shaft.  It will only slip on about an 1/2 inch.  The pinch bolt mst have "crushed" the tube just enough to cause binding. 

Supposed to go together easy, mine had some grease in there. I think your alright, though. I thought the shaft was colapsable, if so it just absorbed the thrust you put on it. I would loosen the column from the dash, remove the intermediate shaft, count turns lock to lock and the turn the wheel half that # to get centered, make sure the wheels are pointing straight and stab it all back together, put some grease where the intermediate shaft couples the steering column and gently drive it from the engine side.

If you broke something it should be obvious.

go on easy - ok, that helps   I need to reopen the end of the tube on the intermediate shaft.  I can't drive it because I havn't started it yet - weather has been too crapy and I can't count the turns because I rebuilt the whole front end and I need to get it aligned - all I can do is "point" the front wheels forward.  

I think I need to pull the steering shaft out tonight and recheck it for any collapse.  Besides, I need to clean the sand out that found its way into the steering shaft when I was doing body work - not much but some.

[JJSZABO]

Well, the worst has been found.  I removed the steering column and removed the steering shaft from the column - it was collapsed.  



The two plastic pins were sheared.  The shaft still is "tight" when I pulled it back out - can I reuse it?  It will still collapse if the truck is in an accident (easier infact) - but the shop manual says to replace it if the plastic pins are sheared.

[VileZambonie]

It's basically a hardened plastic that's designed to crack in an impact as to not impale or skewer the driver. There are also two brake away capsules where the column bolts to the cab with the same material. Now you are supposed to replace it in the event of an accident.. however being that it's your won truck if there is no play in it and you can make it work again, go for it.