Steering coupler rebuild.

[BuiltPoly318]

I got a new power steering gear for my Belvedere, and since I'm switching to a 74 trans and aftermarket shifter, I am changing the steering column to a floor shift version (65 Satellite/Coronet). The column is fine, but I bought a coupler kit that I was told will fit all the way back to 1962, and it doesn't.

It seems the 64 and older coupler is rectangular, and the 65 has rounded sides. The kit I bought has the correct red seal and clamp, and the shoes fit, but the center spring clip won't fit inside the coupler body. It seems that 66 (or 67?) and up the coupler body had a raised side to accommodate this clip.

I've seen a 64 center spring clip where the center of the clip isn't as high as the one I got in this kit.

Here are some pictures... can anyone give some direction on what I need to do now?

Thanks...

Pictures are:
64 Coupling
65 Coupling
My 65 column with new repair kit and high center spring.

 

[BuiltPoly318]

Still confused. The guy who sold me the kit told me to force the new setup into the coupler housing by tapping it with a hammer. This puts a lot of stress on the spring clip and it just doesn't seem right - you shouldn't have to force it in with a hammer.

 

[Polara426]

Just use your old clip you can go to the 62 to 65 web site they have a great tech article on how to rebuild a 64 plymouth coupler

 

[BuiltPoly318]

Just use your old clip you can go to the 62 to 65 web site they have a great tech article on how to rebuild a 64 plymouth coupler

Thanks, I saw that article and that's where I'm confused. The single clip he used would work fine in my 65, but the kit is for 66- up, and the center of the clip is higher, as in his side by side comparison. Even though I have the rounded sides, I'm stuck with using my original shoes/clips because I don't like the idea of pounding this thin in with a hammer. I actually tried it and I can see that clip breaking due to the stress. My old clip is a pair, not a single one, and the newer shoes are thicker and won't work with the old clips.

Basically, the kit is not for 65 at all.

 

[SUPERSTOCKRACER]

i hate to say it but i believe kramer automotive has the correct rebuild kit your looking for.
i hate giving him any business.

 

[TheGodfather]

Borgeson Steering Couplers work extremely well in lieu of the original 62-65 factory Couplers-

 

[BuiltPoly318]

I've seen those, but it's not within my budget. I've also seen comments about the lack of axial movement due to chassis flex being an issue with power steering.

I know, everyone has installed a solid joint without any problems, but if I installed it I'd be the first out of a million who has a problem. Just my luck... lol

 

[pishta]

Yes sir, your coupler is square right? The original springs were square wave washers between the square blocks and the shaft, no "clip" involved. I got the entire setup minus 1 wave washer and correct rectangle rubber seal.