Steering shaft concerns

[troublemaker]

Hope someone can give me some answers. 1970 Roadrunner 4 speed. I'm rebuilding the the steering column, when I got the shaft out I noticed that its 2 Pieces. Like a slip Joint although they don't separate. It appeared to have 4 (2 on each side) plastic plugs to keep it from moving but on further investigation the plugs were just on the outside and did not go through both shafts like a pin would. My question is, is the inner steering shaft made to slip for length adjustment, with the length being determined at the top of the shaft (steering wheel end) and the bottom at the coupling, where it secures to the steering box ? My service manual shows nothing. Thanx for your help

 

[Cmmopar]

Shaft originally designed to only collapse on impact. Plastic "pellets" held in in fixed position during normal use. I posted illustration from service bulletin here:

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopar...ple-issue-Need-help&p=910243782#post910243782

 

[Bigal75]

Can you get some pics up? I just completely rebuilt my column not to long ago.

 

[Deleted member 214]

Shaft originally designed to only collapse on impact. Plastic "pellets" held in in fixed position during normal use. I posted illustration from service bulletin here:

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopar...ple-issue-Need-help&p=910243782#post910243782

This is why you can use the same steering column and shaft for either manual power steering - the shaft can be shortened or lengthened easily. I figure that the shaft is fixed in place at the top and the coupling in bottom if installed right will hold the other end, so if the white nylon buttons are sheared it is not a big deal.