Steering Column Gap After Installing New AT Shift Collar.

[BGBronco]

I just went through the painful, amateur process of getting the AT shifter back on the column after being attached to a B&M Shifter.

Complicated somewhat by the fact that I have a '70 with what I thought was a '74, which might be a '76 column. I decided to reuse the existing shift tube (29") and installed a new shift collar.

All is working well but I have an unexplained, sizable gap based on how things are lined up on the top of the steering shaft. As far as I can tell, it only impacts the turn signals being not turned off after a turn but I would like to close the gap and get it fitted correctly.

Thoughts?

 

[WILDHORSES]

I just went through the painful, amateur process of getting the AT shifter back on the column after being attached to a B&M Shifter.

Complicated somewhat by the fact that I have a '70 with what I thought was a '74, which might be a '76 column. I decided to reuse the existing shift tube (29") and installed a new shift collar.

All is working well but I have an unexplained, sizable gap based on how things are lined up on the top of the steering shaft. As far as I can tell, it only impacts the turn signals being not turned off after a turn but I would like to close the gap and get it fitted correctly.

Thoughts?

So just to be clear this gap was not there before the change and the ONLY thing that was changed was the shift collar?

Jim

 

[BGBronco]

Correct. Also, and I can't comment on what it was like before but I can pull the steering wheel and it comes out about another 1/3 of an inch. Going through your tutorial now looking for my point (s) of failure. Thank you.

So just to be clear this gap was not there before the change and the ONLY thing that was changed was the shift collar?

Jim

 

[WILDHORSES]

Here's my take on a 76-77 column/shaft etc. You have two very important snap rings on the upper end of the steering shaft.

1. C-clip type. This one should be in the lower slot. Maybe 1.5-2" down from the top of the shaft.
2. Small snap ring with two little holes for your snap ring pliers. This one is only about 1/4-3/8" away from the other one.

The upper column bearing sits between the two and positions the shaft and steering wheel where it is supposed to go.

My thought is for the shaft to be coming up out of the column like that maybe you are missing the lower snap ring.

Jim

 

[BGBronco]

OK. Back to the garage. Thank you.

Here's my take on a 76-77 column/shaft etc. You have two very important snap rings on the upper end of the steering shaft.

1. C-clip type. This one should be in the lower slot. Maybe 1.5-2" down from the top of the shaft.
2. Small snap ring with two little holes for your snap ring pliers. This one is only about 1/4-3/8" away from the other one.

The upper column bearing sits between the two and positions the shaft and steering wheel where it is supposed to go.

My thought is for the shaft to be coming up out of the column like that maybe you are missing the lower snap ring.

Jim

 

[BGBronco]

Yep. That solved the problem. Luckily I didn't have to pull the harness again! I'm a master taking things apart and a failure at putting things back together correctly the first time. Thank you.