Steering Wheel Alignment

[dougb1973]

Hi All, Newbie here. Got this 71 GTX about a year and a half ago. Had an aftermarket Mopar steering wheel on it and I got a Plymouth steering wheel (Because I love the ole big ones) but it doesn't line up when the wheels are straight. Any suggestions on the best way to fix this? Thanks and keep the Mopars rolling!!!

 

[71airgrabberRR]

The steering wheel can only be installed in one position. There is a single blind spline on the steering column where the wheel attaches. At the other end of the steering column, (where it connects to the steering gear box) there is another single blind spline. This end can only be installed in one position as well.

Because of this, I'm afraid you will have to get a good alignment done on your car to get the steering wheel centered. This is done by adjusting the tie rod end sleeves.

It may have been possible to align the car and have the steering wheel straight because of an after market steering wheel adapter. This is probably why your current steering wheel is not centered now.

Hope this helps...............

 

[Coronet 14]

You could pull the column out of the car remove coupler. Turn the steering shaft so the wheel is straight up and down install coupler. Your steering may still be a little off while driving but it will be better than what you have now. Make sure when the wheels are straight that you have the same number of turns left to right.

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

You could pull the column out of the car remove coupler. Turn the steering shaft so the wheel is straight up and down install coupler. Your steering may still be a little off while driving but it will be better than what you have now. Make sure when the wheels are straight that you have the same number of turns left to right.

The coupler splines are also indexed to the gear box input shaft, only goes on in one place. Was incorrectly aligned before, verify wheel is straight when total wheel turn count stop to stop is split in half, then get the toe reset with the wheel centered.

 

[dougb1973]

Great info!!! Thanks all for the help. I know it needs an alignment since I adjusted the front end height last year. Will definitely get that done.

 

[71airgrabberRR]

The coupler splines are also indexed to the gear box input shaft, only goes on in one place. Was incorrectly aligned before, verify wheel is straight when total wheel turn count stop to stop is split in half, then get the toe reset with the wheel centered.

Yep !!!!!!!!!! That's exactly what I said in my first post.................. The steering coupler AND the steering wheel can only be installed one way. This is due to the single "Blind" spline index I mentioned.

The toe setting is off, causing the steering wheel to be off centered. Thanks for backing me up 72 RR GTX.

 

[khryslerkid]

You can turn the tie rod adjusters. You really have to think about what you are doing. To determine which way you need to go, set your steering wheel straight. Look at your front wheels. Now which side do you need to shorten the tie rod and which side do you need to lengthen the tie rod to make them straight. You do this one turn at a time on each side.
If you don't trust yourself doing this, better take it to a front end shop.