73-75 upper PS shaft install question

[snick]

I was given a complete stock 73-75 (upper and lower) PS shaft that I would like to use rather than cutting my manual shaft and installing an after market joint that connects to the 73-75 PS box. I'd like to remove the manual shaft in my 69 without cutting it if possible.

1. Is it possible to remove the manual steering shaft without having to cut it or loosen the column if I remove the manual box first?

2. Can the stock upper 73-75 PS shaft be installed through the bottom of the column (has to be through the bottom and not through the steering wheel side because of the rag joint flange on the end of the 73-75 upper shaft) easily or are there clearance issues?

thanks in advance

 

[thegreatjustino]

You have to remove the column to do both of the things you're looking to do. If you don't want to cut the one piece manual shaft. You have to take it and the column out through the dash. If you have high back seats, there's a decent chance you'll have to take the driver seat out as well. You'll also need to slide the upper portion of the two piece shaft into the column and install that
that back through the dash. Don't forget to slide the plastic bushing, felt washer, and column clamp on th upper shaft before you slide it into the column and install everything.