Intermediate Steering Shaft Plastic Pins?

[Rat72]

I pulled out a 3" body lift on my 72. In the process, I had to remove a bolt that the last owner put in the intermediate shaft. I understand that the stock configuration had plastic buttons that held the slip joint in a certain position and would tear off so the unit could collapse in case of a crash. What I'm interested in is how to determine where the stock position is? And I understand why you GM wanted the plastic tabs to break but I don't see what their purpose is? Can I just do without any locking mechanism? If not, does anyone have suggestions on what to use to replace the plastic tabs?

Thanks,
Whit

[kwmech]

Couple of small body lifts that I did, I just extended the shaft and left it alone after that. I did however goop a small amount of antiseize inbetween the 2. I think if you want to recouple the pieces you could drill completely thru and install a roll pin---but that would not allow a collapse in the event of an unfortunate accident

[brak]

IMHO, there is no reason to replace the pins, because there isn't gonna be any lateral movement in the shaft

[LockDoc]

with brak...

If you wanted to find the stock location I would think you could drill out the plastic in both pieces and put a piece of brass tubing (hobby shop) in there that would hold it in the stock position and still collapse if needed.

LockDoc

[GREASEMONKEY72]

[1969k10stepside]

While they are out..Install a Van tilt column if you have access to one or want on.You have to remove the pins when installing the van tilt anyway

[Rat72]

Originally Posted by 1969k10stepside

While they are out..Install a Van tilt column if you have access to one or want on.You have to remove the pins when installing the van tilt anyway

I spent some time searching this topic and everyone talks about removing the pins but I don't hear much about replacing them. Do any of the trucks have tilt? I hear the van units are longer and if anything I'd like the column shorter.

Thanks,
Whit

[1969k10stepside]

Some trucks had tilt columns originally.When installing a longer van tilt you remove the pins and collapse the shaft so its shorter to accomodate for the longer van tilt.

[Longhorn Man]

the column its self is the exact same, it's just the shaft stickin out the bottom. So from the drivers seat... you can't tell becouse the wheel is in the exact same place... unless you opt to move it more for or aft.
The pins, there is no reason in the world to put them in again. The only reason they were there in the first place, was so the shaft wouldn't seperate when the workers were moving them from storage to assemblyline, and when installing them. Once bolted in place, it is physicly imposible for the shaft to extend, or contract, unless major body damage causes it.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Rat72

I hear the van units are longer and if anything I'd like the column shorter.

Thanks,
Whit

If you would like more room inside you can do this:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=191143

LockDoc

[Rat72]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

The pins, there is no reason in the world to put them in again. The only reason they were there in the first place, was so the shaft wouldn't seperate when the workers were moving them from storage to assemblyline, and when installing them. Once bolted in place, it is physicly imposible for the shaft to extend, or contract, unless major body damage causes it.

The only other shaft I worked on had u-joints on both ends and the only travel happening was on the slip joint and I believe that was only there to be able to install the shaft. The shaft on our trucks goes into a mystery joint on the column end and seems to have about 3" of travel there. What's in that joint and why did Chevy build travel into two places?

Thanks,
Whit

[Longhorn Man]

the whole reason for the slip shaft on any column is to colapse if you get into a front end collision. Without the slip shaft, the wheel will extend up towards your head, which is already making a bee line directly to the wheel.

[Rat72]

Got it but I'm currious why GM built travel into both the shaft and the upper joint. Maybe what I'm really asking is if it's normal for the shaft to slide into the upper joint?

Thanks,
Whit

[brak]

The upper joint is essentially a u-joint.

I'm guessing it's to compensate for any chassis flex.

[sick69]

So how much longer is the van column compared to the truck column?


Frank

[Longhorn Man]

4 inches at the most. Probably more like 2 to 3 inches.