72 Charger Steering column modification

[Loren White]

Anyone with knowledge on the steering column modification from column shift to floor shift. I have the new collar from Classic Industries eliminating the shifter from the column. I'm interested in the removal of the linkage at the bottom of the column or what has to be done to modify the existing column. Any and all info is greatly appreciated.

 

[Polara426]

Did it awhile ago but really all you need to do is remove the shift tube and replace the collar.

 

[Loren White]

Did it awhile ago but really all you need to do is remove the shift tube and replace the collar.

Its just that easy huh.......

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

The shift tube and lower bearing is removed and replaced with a seal and retainer. Did the repo castings come with the lock out collar spring? If not, will need to track down an original.

 

[Loren White]

Its just that easy huh.......

What is the disassembly procedure? I'm stuck unable to remove the shaft to remove the tube. Does the pin at the lower end of the shaft have to be removed?

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

It can be, press the pin out. Easier to pull the shaft out from the other end. Pull the wheel, upper castings, both the shaft and shift tube will come out the bottom, reassemble without the tube.

 

[Loren White]

It can be, press the pin out. Easier to pull the shaft out from the other end. Pull the wheel, upper castings, both the shaft and shift tube will come out the bottom, reassemble without the tube.

Thanks for the info, I was wondering if the pin had to come out.

 

[Loren White]

It can be, press the pin out. Easier to pull the shaft out from the other end. Pull the wheel, upper castings, both the shaft and shift tube will come out the bottom, reassemble without the tube.

OK, so after unsuccessfully getting the pin to budge at the bottom I was wondering if it might be welded in or if my effort was not enough. I have this measure twice cut once approach and would like to confirm removal of the pin. I am ready to install my new components with success. I tried pressing it out in a vise with an oversized socket on one end, but it would not budge. Is there something i may not be doing right?

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

You’ll need a floor press for that, a vise won’t cut it there. Again, or leave the pin in place and pull the wheel and upper housing, drop the shaft out the bottom.

 

[tlt23]

So, I am getting ready to do this too. Are you saying I have to pull the whole assembly I was told I can do it with it in the car

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

Doing a full column shift to floor shift conversion correctly requires the column to be removed from the car. The shift tube only comes out the bottom.

 

[Loren White]

You’ll need a floor press for that, a vise won’t cut it there. Again, or leave the pin in place and pull the wheel and upper housing, drop the shaft out the bottom.

There is a plate with grooves cut into it inside the upper housing that is fixed to the shaft. I inspected it to see if it was stationary or if it could be removed. I see a snap ring and circlip but I don't think that is what is holding it on.

 

[72RoadrunnerGTX]

There is a sleeve around the lock plate mount, pry it up to reveal a roll in, knock out the pin, lock plate comes off.

 

[Montclaire]

There are videos on YouTube showing restoration on an e-body column. It’s a 4 or 5 part series by Cuda Cody. Many of the parts and procedures will be the same or similar.

 

[Loren White]

task complete. Steering column has been converted to a floor shift column. It was easier once I reviewed the assembly diagram. Removing the pin securing the lock plate made it simplified.

 

[E5charger]

Great information! Did the new collar come with the spring for the finger lever?

 

[JoePole]

I did this. Not saying it's the right way to do it but it worked for me and cost next to nothing.

 

[70chall440]

I did this. Not saying it's the right way to do it but it worked for me and cost next to nothing.

View attachment 1423416

View attachment 1423421

View attachment 1423423
View attachment 1423422
View attachment 1423424
View attachment 1423414
View attachment 1423413

Excellent work.

 

[supergluehero]

Also curious about the spring for the finger lever. The kits don't mention it.

 

[NoCar2023]

I did this conversion.
I was unable to source that spring.