69 GTX steering column upper bearing retainer bolt install

[Frankb]

Car is a 69 GTX, 4 speed. The 2 upper bearing housing retainer bolts were removed. These are the 2 bolts under the turn signal switch. Is it possible to reinstall these 2 bolts without removing the steering column from the car? If so, how? Thanks

 

[themechanic]

Hope this helps.

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?53981-What-do-these-2-square-headed-bolts-secure

 

[Meep-Meep]

Yes. These are a bit different than your normal car hardware. These bolts have a square head which partially engages into cutouts in the steering column. It's been a while but I want to say I put the assembly together loosely then tighten when the parts are lined up with the column sleeve.

 

[Frankb]

Sir. Thanks for the redirect to another post. That helped a lot. I can get both the bolts in place and get the nuts on but when I tightened them down they would bottom out like they were not doing what they were supposed to do. I'll put them back in and turn the lower sleeve until it lines up. Hopefully I'll get lucky and things will fall back into place. Again thank you

 

[themechanic]

Good luck. It's simple but not easy. Especially if it's still in the car.

 

[Frankb]

Well I got the bolts to line up and tighten but now there is another problem. The upper bearing retainer and lower housing are lower on the steering column by about a quarter of an inch. The upper bearing, which was never removed is a quarter of an inch out of the retainer. This is the only way I can get the bolts tight. Any ideas