Length difference steering wheel main shaft

[Yennes]

Hi FBBO,
I’m planning to convert my ’64 Polara from manual to power steering.

I already have the correct gearbox and oil pump. I’ve read that the steering column main shaft for power steering is shorter than the one for manual steering. Is that true? What are the dimensions to search one?

Alternatively, can I modify the existing shaft by cutting it and using an adapter?

Also, is the pitman arm the same for both setups, or do I need a different one for power steering?

Thanks in advance for your help.
Thanks

 

[69Bee]

Don't cut the shaft. Find the correct one and if your PS gear doesn't have the coupler assy, you will need that also.

 

[khryslerkid]

The power steering shaft is approximately 3" shorter than the manual. I'm not 100% sure but '62-'64 might use the same shaft.

I'm doing the same to my '62. I have to rebuild my gearbox and pump and I'm stillst waiting on the shaft. Not looking forward to heaving that power steering box into place. The power steering coupler has a smaller spline that's why you'll need that.

 

[RemCharger]

Don't cut the shaft. Find the correct one and if your PS gear doesn't have the coupler assy, you will need that also.

Probably a bit tougher to find in the junkyard in Germany

 

[69Bee]

With the internet, the whole world is a source of parts! And, you would be amazed how many cars were left in Europe when soldiers PCS'd back to CONUS...

 

[Yennes]

The power steering shaft is approximately 3" shorter than the manual. I'm not 100% sure but '62-'64 might use the same shaft.

I'm doing the same to my '62. I have to rebuild my gearbox and pump and I'm stillst waiting on the shaft. Not looking forward to heaving that power steering box into place. The power steering coupler has a smaller spline that's why you'll need that.

Yeah I also think they are the same. I will search all parts together and will do the swap then, no hurry. Can you might figure out how long both parts are exactly , if you have both of them?

Probably a bit tougher to find in the junkyard in Germany

It is but it’s not new for me to buy parts in the US and ship them over here. Works pretty good.

With the internet, the whole world is a source of parts! And, you would be amazed how many cars were left in Europe when soldiers PCS'd back to CONUS...

Yes the mopar Community is not that small here as you might think.

 

[khryslerkid]

Can you might figure out how long both parts are exactly , if you have both of them?

When I have both of them side by side.

A member on here gave me these measurements.

 

[Yennes]

When I have both of them side by side.

A member on here gave me these measurements.
View attachment 1818957

That is a huge info for me! Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[khryslerkid]

That is a huge info for me! Thanks for sharing!!!

He wasn't positive on what year they were.

 

[Yennes]

He wasn't positive on what year they were.

Okay but it is good start for me to do research.

 

[Yennes]

Do you have a part number of the coupler and is it visible on it?

 

[69Bee]

When going from PS to MS, you needed an adapter that extended the steering shaft by 4".

The PS box Coupler: NOS.. Mopar 62-80 Manual Steering Column Coupler Body with Coupler Rebuild Kit | eBay

I spent 7 years south of Munich bei Rosenheim, and 5 years in Pirmasens and spent many hours scouring the Ramstein PDO lot to include the Pirmasens PDO lot also.

 

[Yennes]

When going from PS to MS, you needed an adapter that extended the steering shaft by 4".

The PS box Coupler: NOS.. Mopar 62-80 Manual Steering Column Coupler Body with Coupler Rebuild Kit | eBay

I spent 7 years south of Munich bei Rosenheim, and 5 years in Pirmasens and spent many hours scouring the Ramstein PDO lot to include the Pirmasens PDO lot also.

I am going from MS to PS. The coupler is the one that should be installed in the car right now, because it is for MS. Or am I missing something? And why people going from PS to MS? Isn’t PS always the better choice?

I wrote with so many people that were here in Germany, it is cool to hear their storys.

 

[69Bee]

I was just pointing out the approximate 4" difference in length. Because of mis matched pulleys, I went from PS to MS. I blew 3 hoses and went thru 2 pumps and just got tired of messing with it. At least with MS I could park the car easier.

 

[RemCharger]

I am going from MS to PS. The coupler is the one that should be installed in the car right now, because it is for MS. Or am I missing something? And why people going from PS to MS? Isn’t PS always the better choice?

I wrote with so many people that were here in Germany, it is cool to hear their storys.

PS is the better choice, if ease of steering is the goal. MS is better if you are looking for less hp draw and lighter weight, thus faster higher performance. And more reliability with less complexity.