68 GMC Steering Box Steering Shaft question

[SangerV]

Hey all I need help with my 68 GMC K2500.

Had to have the steering box rebuilt, and when installing it I need about 1/2"
adjustment in the length of the steering shaft. I think collapsible shafts were mandated in 67 and looks like the lower 1/2 of the shaft is a tube and the upper 1/2 a solid shaft but it won't slide upward even with plastic hammering and penetrating oil. I see two holes drilled in the tube part with white in them is this a shear pin or what ? Any suggestions to get some adjustment ?

Thanks

[pjmoreland]

There are two plastic pins in the collapsible section at the bottom end of the steering shaft that can be drilled out. That being said, I'm wondering why the adjustment is needed. You may be able to loosen the two clamps that secure the steering column to the cab and simply move the entire column the needed half inch. The column is secured to the outside of the firewall with a clamp, and then it is secured to the underside of the brake pedal support with a clamp. If you loosen these two clamps, you may be able to slide the column to the needed position.

[SangerV]

Thanks for the reply. I'm wondering why the adjustment is needed as well. The only thing that changed was the rag joint which looks to be more substantial than the original. If I drill out the plastic pins do new holes need to be drilled and new plastic pins installed ?

[pjmoreland]

It's fairly common for people to drill out those pins and collapse the joint so that they can move the steering wheel closer to the dash for more room. More information can be found here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=309895

[SangerV]

Thanks again.

[58 Special]

!/2 inch isn't much I've heard of guys collapsing 2" and leaving it . That's removing a lot of safety. You are going the other way. I think pjmoreland suggestion is the easier and better solution. Loosen clamps slid it down bolt it up tighten clamps. Gives a little more room in the cab and you're not messing with any safety issues.

[SangerV]

Before I drill the Plastic plugs to shorten the shaft by 1/2 inch I am going to look at a different rag joint because that has to be the 1/2" difference. Wish I had kept the original and just rebuilt it.