Why are these steering column mounting nuts/washers so funky?

[bull]

And are there supposed to be three sets for the three mounting locations? I've only got two sets and there's a type of speed nut at the rear mounting location which leads me to believe that one probably gets a bolt.. Whatever was in the rear mounting spot was MIA when I got the car.

[bull]

Just found this pic online. Looks like two serrated funky nuts, three funky washers and a bolt.

[resq302]

The serated part of the nut holds that special washer tight so it does not get loose and vibrate off.

[bull]

The serated part of the nut holds that special washer tight so it does not get loose and vibrate off.

Yea. But wouldn't a regular old lock washer do the same? They use the regular stuff everywhere else on the car. It's just odd to me that these are so unusual compared to everything else.

[resq302]

yes but figure two or three lock washers extra per car would add up.  Chrysler wanted to get these out as fast as possible as cheap as possible.  Reason why they were not used on the rest of the car probably was because it was not a safety issue.  Picture the nuts getting loose and falling off.  Your steering column would be all over the place effecting your driveability.