1973 c20 base NON-TILT steering column rebuild

[73c20jim]

HELP!

I need a picture of the transmission shift lever as it comes out of the lower steering column. The transmission shift rod attaches to this lever.

Thanks.

 

[Blue Ox]

FIFY

Go To

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/grumpys-old-west-town-man-cave.22640/

 

[theblindchicken]

Sounds like you've got a good project going on that shifter column.

Mine isnt connected at the moment, but i'll grab ya a picture from my 74.

Its missing the grommet that's needed. Has a cotter pin on the backside closest to the cab.

Hope that helps.

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[73c20jim]

That's the exact picture I need. I see there is no rubber boot protecting the inner column where the shift lever comes out. How you you keep dirt from getting inside there???

Be aware that the rubber bushing and insert advertised don't seem to be correct. My rod measures 5/16" and they sell 3/8" insert. OEM is plastic and aftermarket is metal.

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[73c20jim]

Another setback. Boot doesn.t fit over end of shaft.

This is the boot at the lower end of the upper steering rod to keep the grease in. The broken one I took off was a thin rubber bellows. One received is thick but bendable rubber.

Back to hunting


.

 

[73c20jim]

Research, research, research....

Evidently, the pin in the INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, opposite the rag joint connection must be removed and replaced to get the seal on the shaft. The pin is tapered and must be pressed out, (Oh joy).

There is a chamfered side on the shaft. Push the pin out TO the chamfered side.

Push in FROM the chamfered side.

The pin must be centered within 0.012 or binding will result. (Oh double joy!)

The pin is NOT an available part as it is part of the intermediate shaft assembly.

SOOO.... The part rubber boot OEM 6.625 7802919 IS correct. I just need a press to install it.

OR maybe duct tape and bailing wire.

 

[73c20jim]

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[73c20jim]

Ordered last two parts.

Ignition preload spring
Gearshift housing bearing

Then upper will go together.

Gotta find someone with a press in town and lower goes together.

I'll do a listing of parts and where I got them when I'm done.

No wait, I still have to reassemble the bearing in the turn signal housing.

 

[theblindchicken]

I just reconnected my rebuilt steering column yesterday.

I couldn't get enough splines at the base of the upper shaft to connect to the lower steering shaft. I had to disassemble the column enough to where you remove the c clip that retains the splined steering wheel lock to allow for the upper shaft to slide out enough to attach the lower shaft.

Do not even tap the upper shaft with a hammer. You WILL shear the plastic pins (I know, I did it yesterday).

But it will be much easier to build the column up to the upper bushing, then attach the lower shaft, then finally finish the rest of the steering column.

 

[73c20jim]

Agree.

I'm thinking to assemble upper and lower, attach upper and lower, then install, then fuss with the top stuff.

How did you get the pot link boot on???

 

[theblindchicken]

Agree.

I'm thinking to assemble upper and lower, attach upper and lower, then install, then fuss with the top stuff.

How did you get the pot link boot on???

The grease boot for the top of the lower shaft? I didnt replace mine yet.

 

[73c20jim]

I'll let you know how mine goes. Gonna need a press.

 

[73c20jim]

Got the pin pressed off and the boot installed. Found a cool machinist in next town over - Sierra Vista. AZ. Twenty miles away. There are no machinists or presses in Tombstone. Spent all morning looking.

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Now lower can be assembled.

Next, rebuilding the upper steering shaft bearing and waiting for shift tube bearing to arrive. Supposed to be here Friday.

 

[73c20jim]

Many pictures added.

 

[73c20jim]

Parts to assemble pot joint. All parts will be reused except for the new boot. And plenty of grease.

The big ring came from the old seal. The new seat does not fit snug into housing. Trial fit shows I can force this ring and the big ring and holding clip into place and make a tight seal. I have no clip for the small end of the boot onto the shaft. I think using a screw clamp will be too big and interfere so no clamp. Grease is not under pressure so it should be OK.

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