For those that have swapped 67-72 shafts in your 64-66 columns

[w00dst0ck]

The later shafts are longer than the early shafts which leaves too big of a gap between the splines and the lower column bearing.

Even with the intermediate shaft telescoped all the way out, there is still roughly 1-1.5" gap between the spring and the top of the factory u joint. It's almost enough room to need 2 springs.

Since the extra length is in the shaft itself, no amount of intermediate shaft adjustments will take up that extra slack.

I'm just curious what everyone else has done. I'm thinking about just running an extra spring.

Btw, I need an extra spring if someone has one they don't need!

[vince1]

I think I know what you are referring to but maybe add some pictures.

Do you not have a clamp that can be raised or lowered on the shaft to keep spring pressure on the lower bearing and which in turn pulls the shaft down into the upper bearing?

Here's what I did as I remember it. I took the shaft and PS box from a 67. For the lower bearing, to replace the ball assembly that had disintegrated, I used a brass bushing that I got from Classic Industries listed for that specific purpose. I greased that all up and it is safety held in with a large washer under it and spring and clamp to the shaft. The shaft length was correct and hooked right up to the rag joint of the PS box and the universal is in about mid range. Works really good with no slop, horn and signals work good too.

I should add that the bushing was a few thou too tight for the bearing support block at the bottom of the column that it has to fit into and should be checked first before installing it, if you decide to go that route.

[vince1]

I removed the manual box and solid shaft and added the PS box with collapsible shaft. Could that be where the difference in shaft lengths is coming from? I thought I remembered laying them all side by side and they were the same but that was almost two years ago.

[Clyde65]

Cut the original long shaft, add splines, use the 67-72 intermediate shaft and your done

[w00dst0ck]

Yeah, I'm running a PS box now with captainfab bracket, as well as the 67-72 shaft and intermediate. Rag joint deleted with Borgeson u joint.

I forgot to get pictures when I was at my shop.

[brettster]

I had the same problem in my 65.Couldnt figure out why there was so much play in the column.Plus my steering wheel stuck out about a inch off the collar.You need the spring and the big washer that goes in there.It will fix your problem.

[vince1]

I don't know if my picture will work.

I think you are just missing the clamp under the spring.

[brettster]

There is a steering column schematics on one of these threads but I cant find it.Once I took a look at it I found out what I was missing.I needed a pre-load sprind and washer.I also had to splice the shift rod.It was too long.

[w00dst0ck]

Any idea where you can buy them? I have a spare '72 column but don't have those parts. Currently have the spring that was on the stock '65 column. Also unless the 67-72 spring is longer that washer won't help as I have about 1.5" gap right now.

Finding these trucks in the yards down here is extremely difficult.

[brettster]

Originally Posted by w00dst0ck

Any idea where you can buy them? I have a spare '72 column but don't have those parts. Currently have the spring that was on the stock '65 column. Also unless the 67-72 spring is longer that washer won't help as I have about 1.5" gap right now.

Finding these trucks in the yards down here is extremely difficult.

I would check Johns Salvage yard in Seguin.Have you ever been there? Its awesome! nothing but classics as far as you can see.

[w00dst0ck]

Originally Posted by vince1

I don't know if my picture will work.

I think you are just missing the clamp under the spring.

Yup, missing that. Mine is just the intermediate shaft joint. That's weird, because I've never noticed that clamp on my '69.

I'll snap a pic tomorrow.

[w00dst0ck]

If I can just remove that spring all together then there isn't really an issue. Since I'm not using column shift does it serve any other purpose than to keep tension on the shifting mechanism?

[vince1]

You need the spring to keep tension on the bearings. Without it the bearings will come apart. How many old trucks have you seen with a disintegrated lower bearing and the shaft almost cut through? I positioned the clamp so that when putting on the steering wheel it pulls the shaft up a bit thereby compressing the spring and keeping tension on the bearings.

I think a 67 setup is the same. A 67 inner shaft assembly can go into a 66 column. This worked for me.

I can't remember seeing the spring on a 68 I used to own. Maybe they changed it by then.

[w00dst0ck]

Yep, I'm missing the clamp. I remember pulling it off now, but have no idea where it is. Anyone have an idea where to get one? These trucks are near impossible to find in the yards down here.

[vince1]

I am not sure as what to write but it looks to me like the clamp is there. It is that piece with the bolt through it and the nut showing. I don't see the big washer like on mine and hard to tell if your lower bearing is set up right but maybe these things change from year to year or where they were built. That thing on mine below the clamp that looks like a clamp is part of the 67 shaft and joint but wouldn't be part of yours because you are using the Borgeson joint in its place. That's my story but others please help.

[w00dst0ck]

That's just a picture I grabbed off google to show what part I'm missing. This is what my setup looks like currently.