Steering column jacket position?
 

I'm wondering where the steering jacket should be positioned on the firewall cover. I've seen a few pictures, 1-2 covers are are off the stumps in the jacket (see pic.) and 1-2 rest against the stumps. So I'm pondering over which is right or how much it matters beyond perhaps the shift lever gap and/or the assembly above.

Took a note when I tore it down the cover butts up against the stumps, but that may have been an assumption. My other truck does, but looking at the column it's not a reliable sample. Thanks, pics appreciated though descriptions work too.

Re: Steering column jacket position?
 

I think those tabs are there to prevent the column from being shoved into your chest during a frontal collision. Many people push the column forward slightly for increased room between the seat and steering wheel. Just not too far so that the slip joint at top of intermediate shaft is bottomed out...otherwise banging and column bearing damage will/can occur.

BTW, yes, the intermediate shaft is a collapsing shaft, but it takes some force to make it collapse, so the tabs keep the column in place.

Re: Steering column jacket position?
 

Subject my other truck, I'm not familiar with this column, maybe because it has a tilt wheel, the truck I'm working on doesn't. But to my knowledge it's supposed to have a washer and spring as well. It shifts well enough, steering alright. EDIT: Tilt columns don't have the spring and washer.

Re: Steering column jacket position?
 

Can I ask what you mean by not bottoming out the slip joint? I haven't put a nut on the pot joint yet - I had the opinion the upper shaft inserts into the point joint as far as it can go.

Re: Steering column jacket position?
 

Look at your second photo to the very left hand side. That is a slip joint that allows the frame/body to flex and not transmit the forces up through the steering column. You can bottom out the travel of that joint if you push the steering column forward as far as it will go. That joint is the limiting factor. In your second picture, you can see that the tabs on the column are up against the firewall bracket...that is normal.

The position of your column in your first photo should be fine and still permit travel in the slip joint.

Below link is the joint I am talking about:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=420406

Re: Steering column jacket position?
 

I think I understand your first comment now, you weren't talking about the upper shaft inside the pot joint, but the pot joint itself, where yes, it adjusts back and forth.

Got your message on adjusting the mast as well, thanks a bunch.


Edit: Got around to reading the service manual. Says "the bracket must not override the protrusions". Now I especially get David's point "Many people push the column forward slightly"