steering column install

[Hard Charger]

looking for ideas on installing the steering column coupler to the steering box.

not much room to maneuver down there and the coupler is fighting me sliding down the steering box shaft. there is no room the tap it in. in the process of cleaning the coupler out real well.

in the past I was able to tap the steering wheel side at the other end but this time around the shaft wants to collapse inside the column.

[b5blue]

You may have popped the injected plastic that holds the collapsible 2 part shaft in place? 

[Hard Charger]

that a certainty.

the manual column I removed did have the plastic pieces you mention. the power steering shaft I am trying to install did not have them.

[DC_1]

..

[Hard Charger]

the problem is getting the coupler on the steering box shaft. is there a fancy way of getting this on w/o beating the hell out of the coupler??

[moparnation74]

The coupler only goes on one way.  Line the large slot up and it should slide on the steering box easily.  Make sure the steering box is set right before you slide the column on it as one unit.

[fy469rtse]

The only way to replace that plastic pin that I've had luck with ,
Measure dia of hole , hobby shop, I had luck getting the right size plastic, once inserted I touched each end with a soldering iron,
I had similar difficultys getting coupler on as well, I had to really clean mine up, including emry paper , several goes
I know you frustration, just sure splines are super clean, no dags or marks to either
Has to be lined up , hard on your own,
Get some help to hold column so you can be in engine bay , either from up top or below , had some luck both ways
Some light tool oil will help also ,
Good luck with it