Power steering box - Steering column - IS THE SHAFT KEYED?

[short stack]

Geez, Im getting deeper and deeper in this 70 roadrunner project. Decided to pull the steering box so I can properly paint the lower x-frame(?) and get the driver side inner fender and frame rails painted properly.

MY QUESTION - (and before you say "go look in the service manual" I did, and cant find anything about it) I plan to leave the steering column in the car, but unbolt the steering box. IS the steering shaft indexed or "keyed" so that it can only go together one way, or can it be put back together in the "wrong" position? I see the shaft is splined, but is is it keyed? Im going to hammer the roll pin out now and come back for my answer soon!


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[Beekeeper]

No the shaft isn't keyed you could mark it to get it back where it was.

 

[moparmarks]

My vote is that they have a indexed spline and the coupler only goes on one way. My stack of boxes and columns are indexed.

 

[Cranky]

Been awhile but I remember a 'master' spline on it. I have one apart and can take a look but make it anyways then take a look. You may also want to loosen the column to allow some movement if needed. When I parted cars, I just sledge hammered the K frame forward and it came right off. Usually had something for support instead of just letting it drop to the ground....

 

[Moparparts]

The coupler body (piece that has the roll pin) has a small notch in the splined end of it on the edge that gets aligned with the flat spot on the box splines when your reassemble it providing someone did not have the coupler body off the column shaft previously and install it incorrectly

 

[WileE]

Yes, there is an index...

 

[short stack]

Thanks to all. I did mark it, but it appears to also be keyed with a flat spot so it will only go back together one way.

Thanks mopar brothers!


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