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65 manual to power steering column question
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35079		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  ppsi [ Mon Apr 27, 2009 6:25 pm ]
Post subject:  65 manual to power steering column question
I want to put a power steering setup in my Dart and I believe I have averything except the knowledge of the best way to do it. I was told that since my steering column is not collapsible that I will need to modify it. Can anyone clue me in to the specifics of taking a 65 column from manual to power steering please.
Thanks
Howard
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:09 pm ]
Post subject: 
The power steering box is longer front to back, so the steering shaft (at the centre of the steering column — connects to steering wheel at top, to steering box at bottom) is shorter for power than for manual steering. You'll need the shorter power steering shaft (or complete column). If you replace just the shaft, or if you replace the whole column and your car has a column-shift "3 on the tree" manual transmission, you need one from a power steering equipped '63-'66 A-body. If you replace the whole column and your car has a floor-shift automatic or manual transmission, then a column from a '63-'64 automatic or floor-shift car, or from a '65-'66 floor-shift car, is what you need. If your '65 is a column-shift automatic, and you are replacing the whole column, only a '65 column-shift automatic column will work.
Author:  70valiant [ Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
you would need to shorten the steering shaft. Better yet find a steering column from a power steering car
Author:  ppsi [ Tue Apr 28, 2009 6:37 am ]
Post subject: 
I've been looking for a column for a power steering floor shift car but they are scarce at best. My car is column shift but I just bought a console & shifter from a 66 baracuda that I will gut and use the shifter (cable operated) in a new console I will fabricate so I will be needing a floor shift column but I'm wondering if the column would have to come from only a 64-65-66 car because I have access to a later model column.
Thanks-Howard
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:23 am ]
Post subject: 
The '66 shifter is rod type, not cable. Cable-type shifters are '65 and older only.
Author:  ppsi [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 4:08 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the heads up on the column. I had a guy wanting to sell me a 66 column but held off because I knew it would be worth making sure it was going to work. Thanks to you I know it will not and will concentrate on looking at 65 & earlier-like there is a chance of finding one.
Howard
Author:  Joshie225 [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 7:06 am ]
Post subject: 
If you have a '66 console and shifter why don't you swap to a later trans? It's easier to find a later trans than a '66 console, shifter and column. You might also be able to find a driveshaft that bolts in and will have a better speedometer gear selection.
Author:  6365Abody [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:27 am ]
Post subject:  modify the column you have
You guys are making this hard. All you have to do is modify the column's shaft that you have now. Remove the column from the car and take the coupler off the end of it. Be sure to save all the pieces and know how it goes back together. Remove the pin from the end of the shaft. Mine hammered out easily, but some of these are very hard to get out. YOu can buy new coupler kits with the pin fromt he dodge dealer if you destroy it.
Measure 2 inches up from the pin hole that is already in the bottom of the shaft and mark it. Now, carefully drill out the hole for a new pin where you marked it two inches higher. My column in my 65 Dart was from a 64 Valiant and had a hole already started about 1 7/8 inshes from the other hole, so I used it. Make sure the hole is the same size as the other hole. Then, cut off two inches of the shaft below the hole you drilled and put the pin in the new hole. Reassemble the coupler and reinstall the column being careful to line up the groves the same way it came out. Now, you did the work yourself and saved a bunch of money. Aren't you proud. I know I was.
Author:  Charrlie_S [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:45 am ]
Post subject: 
Nice info, Rob.
Author:  65 dartman [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:35 am ]
Post subject: 
If you need a PS center shaft for a 64-66 I have just a shaft, no other parts.
Author:  Eatkinson [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 1:01 pm ]
Post subject:  I am assuming
that the exact same thing (either swap out the column) or modifying your existing one could be done exactly the same way following these instructions for a 63 dart, yes? Mine is manual steering (auto trans) as well, and I'd like the power setup.
Author:  ppsi [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 5:30 pm ]
Post subject: 
Actually I have a 65 Console. I didn't know the 65-66 had changed but I do now so I am lucky I got the 65 console plus took pictures of the vehicle it came from and measurements for the holes through the firewall/trans hump and the brackets that were cut off and came-w-the console. I don't need a new trans nor the expense. I know a little more now and hopefully can just redrill my column and put the power steering coupling on it. I have a friend who is giving e a coupling so I just need to figure out the placement, pulleys, etc for the PS & A/C.
Thanks-Howard
Quote:
If you have a '66 console and shifter why don't you swap to a later trans? It's easier to find a later trans than a '66 console, shifter and column. You might also be able to find a driveshaft that bolts in and will have a better speedometer gear selection.
Author:  6365Abody [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  cut it
Thanks Charlie. The method I described helps you keep everything in your car that belongs there meaning you don't have to mess with changing the colors of the column and collars or taking it all apart. It saves money, too.
Howard, Make sure the coupling that you get fits on the powering steering unit that you have BEFORE mounting it to your column. Test fit it a couple of times and make sure it goes on easily. Clean it, wire brush it, and clean it again. Make sure to line up the wide groove in each.
Author:  joesnow [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
When redrilling the shaft, you could get a newer shaft that is collapsible.
Don't forget the torque convertor has a differant spline also from the 1966 - up.
Author:  Joshie225 [ Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
Torque converter spline didn't change for the slant until 1968.
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