1968 Steering Shaft spline

[QQBlue1]

Gentlemen - I have two questions:

1. I dropped the steering column on my 68 Charger and noticed this star-washer laying on the floorboard and I think it came down as a part of the grounding wire from the steering column to the plastic slide based on the picture below from a 72 Roadrunner. Am I right?

2. In the process of trying to figure out the location of the star washer but after I installed my new power steering box (from Steer and Gear) and AFTER i put my glasses on to look at the old one closely, I noticed the flat groove on the old steering box’s spline. I had to tap it / hammer the new one on and it looks secure but thought I’d ask if it is worth backing the couple off to realign it or would I just risk damage? Also, my steering wheel wasn’t clocked perfectly to begin with and it still isn’t but the wheels are currently straight according to my eyeball test.

Thank you.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

1. Those washers go on the studs that hold the “steering column plate” in that holds the steering column up.
2. I’d want to re-align the coupler. That might be why your steering wheel isn’t straight

 

[Dave6T4]

That blind spline should be straight up. That way, the sector shaft is centred so you have the same amount of movement each way. Also, the "on-center" aid will now be functional to keep your car from wandering while driving straight ahead. There is also a blind spline at the steering wheel end of the shaft, so there is only one way to install the wheel.

 

[QQBlue1]

Thanks for your help. It's all straightened out and the steering wheel is clocked in better than before I started. Now I'm off to the wiring . . .

 

[hunt2elk]

And if your steering wheel is not perfectly straight, it is aligned with your tie rod adjusters.

 

[Bird 426]

There should be a second nut with the serated back for the ground wire.