73 Steering coupler question

[Sputnik]

Had to replace due to the obvious - and not a cheap part (had to go with Mitchell as he was the only place I could find one - painful) Anyway, I know these were used on some earlier B's and C's - my question is : what is the purpose of the male "keyed" portion of the casting as I see nothing in the assembly that would utilize this feature on my 73 RR. I'm thinking maybe on earlier vehicles there was a reason. Only other possibility is I'm missing something or maybe an area is worn (green arrow) ? Thanks for any input.

 

[Revhendo]

Wish I could help you on that one, but I have no idea. If I get a chance, I'll look in my FSM. When mine went away, I made a replacement out of an aluminum fan spacer. Cost like 5 bucks. I'm actually looking to replace the shaft with borgesons.

 

[Sputnik]

Thanks. I got taken for 150.00 - only found three suppliers all in the same price range (heard this was a 30-40.00 part back when dealers had 'em). If someone had a pic of out of a manual it may confirm my assumption that I'm good and the keyway was for earlier car applications, dunno.

 

[Patrick]

The notches are simply alignment. The bolt pattern isn't square. Also 73 was the first year it was used on any mopar. Its purpose is to dampen steering vibration. Mopar rear wheel drive vehicles including trucks and vans up to 95 are all the same.

 

[Revhendo]

Also, if you have a big block, some headers will hit that bad boy.

 

[Sputnik]

"First it was used on any Mopar" - Don't think so from what I've researched, see Arizona's ad (unless he's wrong) for applications (also states "and some later B-bodies" in the ad). 148.00.

 

[Slantsixdan]

Just for kicks, it might be interesting to see if P/N 3748 263, still available for under $9 at chryslerpartsdirect.com , is as interchangeable as I suspect it might be.