Correct steering shaft orentation

[pnora]

Putting my 69 Charger back together. I am most likely overthinking this. I know the caster and camber need to be correct before the toe is set. My question is on the steering shaft. The gear box is master splined and with the spline in the 12 o-clock the notch on the coupler lines up with it. The upper shaft master spline at the wheel is also in the 12 o-clock position. This is the way it should be all clocked and the individual toes set. Just want to be sure I am correct before I send it out for its alignment.

 

[moparmarks]

Yep both index splines should be straight up at 12:00.

 

[hunt2elk]

And make sure your box is in the center of its travel before putting it all together.

 

[pnora]

And make sure your box is in the center of its travel before putting it all together.

As far as the box to wheel goes if its all spline at 12 o-clock that's about all you can do at that stage. I can see having it centered as far as putting the tie rods in place.

 

[hunt2elk]

As far as the box to wheel goes if its all spline at 12 o-clock that's about all you can do at that stage. I can see having it centered as far as putting the tie rods in place.

I mean if you have a 24:1 box, that will turn 5 1/2 revolutions or so lock to lock. Make certain it is in the middle of that swing with the odd spline up, and not a turn off. Or you will be taking it apart again.

 

[pnora]

I mean if you have a 24:1 box, that will turn 5 1/2 revolutions or so lock to lock. Make certain it is in the middle of that swing with the odd spline up, and not a turn off. Or you will be taking it apart again.

Take what apart. Splines on the box and wheel at 12 noon. They can only go the one way. I understand it should be in the middle of travel for the tie rods to be installed pointing the wheels straight.

 

[moparmarks]

Just a note. The coupler can be installed onto the column 180* off making the column 180* off when install. Did that once years ago.

 

[pnora]

Just a note. The coupler can be installed onto the column 180* off making the column 180* off when install. Did that once years ago.

Yes you could, but the gear box and upper shaft master splines had to be 180 degrees off. Right now both of my masters are in the 12 o-clock position so they must be correct.

 

[moparmarks]

I mean if you have a 24:1 box, that will turn 5 1/2 revolutions or so lock to lock. Make certain it is in the middle of that swing with the odd spline up, and not a turn off. Or you will be taking it apart again.

That mainly when installing the pitman arm you want the box centered cause that can be 120* off.

 

[pnora]

That mainly when installing the pitman arm you want the box centered cause that can be 120* off.

I can see that but there is nothing going back on with it that far off.

 

[moparmarks]

Yes you could, but the gear box and upper shaft master splines had to be 180 degrees off. Right now both of my masters are in the 12 o-clock position so they must be correct.

No, the gear box and coupler are at 12:00 but the column and steering wheel will be at 6:00

 

[pnora]

No, the gear box and coupler are at 12:00 but the column and steering wheel will be at 6:00

Then the upper master is in the 6 o-clock if the wheel is upside down. So with it that way you would be 180 off. My point is if the gear box master is at the 12 o-clock with the couplers notch at 12 o-clock along with the upper master in the 12 o-clock it should be correct. Or am I missing something?

 

[WileE]

but... what if you're doing it at 3 o'clock ? Who's on first ? What's on second ?

 

[VFilms]

Just a note. The coupler can be installed onto the column 180* off making the column 180* off when install. Did that once years ago.

Agreed, and an important note. I restored my column and took great care when rebuilding the coupler, regarding it's orientation.

 

[blue69runner]

I counted the turns on my gear box. Then brought it back to center. Same amount of turns both way's. Have the tree point steering wheel and bird in the middle. Half horn ring. Now it is pointing straight down like it is suppose to be. We use to hang a weight on the steering wheel to keep it centered when adjusting the front end.

 

[pnora]

So after all the BS can we agree on the steering wheel to gear box orientation. All splines and coupler notch all on the same center line at 12 o-clock the column to gear box orientation is now correct.

 

[Jc cooper]

Hey sounds logical to me did my recent steering gear replacement that way , no problem! But just me !