68 vs 72 steering column

[ksucatz]

OK guys, got a question for you. I picked up a '72 ( I think) steering column from Randy a while back, and am finally getting ready to clean up and put in my '68. So, as I was pulling the one out of the 68, I notice it is a single long shaft design, and the new one is a 2 piece (I only have the upper piece too ).
I bought the newer column for the three speed stops and my shift collar where the lever mounts was broke. Could not move the tube back and forth to get past the stops.

What was the last year for the 1 piece shaft? I am pretty sure the lower bearing is different according to LMC catalog, so maybe that is the breakoff for the design change?

So, is the 2 piece a better design in anyone's opinion? Do I need to find the lower shaft, or do I just take what is needed from the newer column and place into the older column and use the long shaft?

Thanks for the help

[Steve Cole]

Can you post pics of both so we can see what you are talking about?

[ksucatz]

Yes, but it will have to be this evening when I get home from work.

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

Can you post pics of both so we can see what you are talking about?

[Classic Heartbeat]

What was the last year for the 1 piece shaft? I am pretty sure the lower bearing is different according to LMC catalog, so maybe that is the breakoff for the design change?

To answer your question 1968. The 67 and 68 were the only year they used these columns. 66 and earlier were single piece but different design.

So, is the 2 piece a better design in anyone's opinion?

No not necessarily, just easier to find parts for.

Do I need to find the lower shaft

Yes you do. You can't just cut what you need from your old 68 column. WES

[crakarjax]

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

No not necessarily, just easier to find parts for.

I don't know about that, doesn't the 2 piece collapse to prevent the shaft from poking you in a head on collision?

[ksucatz]

Here are a couple pictures to show the difference in the shafts.
[IMG]IMAG1065 by ksucatz, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IMG]IMAG1066 by ksucatz, on Flickr[/IMG]

Originally Posted by crakarjax

I don't know about that, doesn't the 2 piece collapse to prevent the shaft from poking you in a head on collision?

I think this long shaft still allows for it to collapse in case of an accident. The force should shear the plastic pins that hold this together, and then it will collapse.
[IMG]IMAG1067 by ksucatz, on Flickr[/IMG]

Thanks Wes for confirming what I was assuming.
So, I guess I either need to get a lower shaft for the newer column, or put the old long shaft into the new column if it will fit.