Steering Column install

[Turboflite]

When trying to install my original steering column on -71 Charger M/T the upper brackets nuts are almost on the edge off the bracket, looks like I’m want another half inch ‍
Any ideas what could cause this?

 

[Turboflite]

 

[T2R9]

You should be able to slide it an inch.

 

[70chall440]

You need to loosen the 2 bolts on the center column plate (the one that is attached to the larger 3 bolt firewall plate) and try to push the column down a little to get what you are after. That center plate acts as a clamp of sorts to help support the column but it relies on friction (there is a large O ring behind it) and sometimes when you move the column around it can move slightly. Also it depends on whether the rag joint/pot is seated correctly onto the steering box and if the column is seated into the pot.

 

[Turboflite]

The center column plate is loose, the joint is attached to the steering box.
When pulling the column I could hear that it stops att the firewall or the 3 point firewall plate should I loosen up that one too?

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

The shaft has likely collapsed a bit, plastic locating pins have broken, fairly common with age. Give the steering wheel a good yank aft with the three bracket bolts loosened a bit.

 

[Turboflite]

Okay, I’ll try that, is it any way to verify the collapse?
Should I do any thing to do about it?

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

Check the measurement from the bottom column housing to the welded joint pictured, should be around 5 1/8”, anything less, the shaft plastic shear pins have broken, and shaft has collapsed a bit.

Also, be sure you pay attention to the coupling slip joint location in the final mounting.

 

[Turboflite]

Great! Thanks will do!

 

[JR_Charger]

View attachment 1512323

Not factory. Looks like a strap for an aftermarket battery hold down.

Don't know how significant this is, but I recall that ground wire going across the steering column on my 72. Yours may be installed correctly for your year/model though.