Problem re-attaching steering coupler to shaft

Hi all,

I've been trying to re-install my steering coupler to the steering shaft, and am having trouble getting it to slide on. There's still about 1/2" to go before I can insert the rolled pin. The FSM doesn't say anything about needing a special tool to do this, but it does say to "align the master spline". I didn't notice any difference in any of the splines when I attached it. Is it even possible to get it onto the shaft if it's not aligned correctly? Any suggestions would be much appreciated - thanks!

Roger

You would have to beat on it hard if the master splines were not aligned. Turn the input shaft to straighten the wheels, the master spline is in the top when centered. Put your glasses on if you are old like me. If the steering linkage is not connected, go lock to lock and find the middle. Once the splines are aligned, you can tap it down until the roll pin fits. You can tap firm, but not hard. You may have a bugered spline or dirt. Clean and inspect if necessary. Use a wide channel lock pliers to press the roll pin rather than tap it down.

Here is a bad pic of the master spline on the gear box, it is facing up. The matching spline inside the coupler is marked on the outside by that indent or divit, looks like I see yours to the left a bit.

Ok, thanks guys. I did locate the master spline. It's actually a "double-wide" spot on the shaft where it looks like a spline is missing. That, along with the key piece of information - the indent on the coupler - allowed me to line them up and the coupler slid right on. Moparts comes through again!!

Plus its tough to do when you are by yourself.

Master spline in coupler.

Another