Early-A steering column

[rmchrgr]

Trying to help another member determine whether a part will fit his power steering car or not. Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between a power and manual steering column in an Early-A? If there is, how do you tell? What do you measure?

Thanks, Greg

 

[Commando66]

The steering column jackets are the same. The steering shaft for power steering is shorter than manual steering. Also, power steering uses a different coupler than manual. Sorry, no pics.

 

[rmchrgr]

The steering shaft for power steering is shorter than manual steering.

I measure approx. 5.5" of exposed shaft length from the seal to where the coupler mounts. Can you tell me which one I have? The coupler is long gone. It's a floor-shift column if that helps.

 

[BronxMopars1]

Thats the manual one Rmchrgr

 

[rmchrgr]

Thanks Bronx.

If you get the correct adapter, can it be used with a power steering gear or is it still too long?

 

[swing69]

the manual shaft is longer than the power one by ~ 1.5". The manual is more desireable, since more people ditch the power steering for BB or SB conversions. someone will trade you even up for sure.

I had to add a small section (1.5") to my PS shaft for my manual box conversion. Also; the PS box is a larger dia. at the spline (~.75"), the manual is smaller (~.675"). that's why the couplers are different.

I used a later styler coupler, since I was just grafting it onto the shaft anyway.

 

[rmchrgr]

Thanks for all the info boys, much appreciated!

 

[64dartwagon]

Iv'e got a power shaft or two, if needed.