The steering coupler rebuild kits currently sold by Chrysler are labeled as fitting '66-'76 models. I thought that maybe some of the parts would fit even earlier models so I gathered up a '64 and '65 coupler body to test my theory.

As you can see, the couplers bodies are practically identical as far as physical size. The shoes shown inside the bodies are from the rebuild kit. Perfect fit.


The other thing I checked was the seal and cover plate. Here is the '64 coupler body:


Here is the '65 coupler body:


Here is the '64 coupler body from the backside with the new seal:


Here is the '65 coupler from the backside with the new seal and cover plate:


So, for what it's worth, I think they can be interchanged. I'm still in the process of rebuilding my '64 coupler so take all of this with a grain of salt. My plans are to reuse my original cover plate and cut the newer seal down to fit the square coupler body. The backside of the seal is smooth so trimming it down shouldn't affect anything. If you just wanted to use the new cover plate with the new seal, I think that would work well also. Obviously getting the tangs clamped down tightly will be the hardest part. But removing the steering column and utilizing several small C-clamps would probably make the job much easier.

My ......

i was going to try that kit soon thinking i was going to be [I love Moparts] out of luck on my 65. my backup plan was a flaming river joint. thanks for the info and pics!

What is the part number of the rebuild kit that you used, I am about to redo my coupler and didn't know where I would find parts for a 64 B-body.

Thanks

I think the only INTERNAL diff between 64/5 and 66 and up is the spring that forces the shoes out to contact the inside of the housing. I have seen quite a few early cars that have been converted the the later style coupling so that would be an option for those that are not concerned about originality. Thanks for the post and pix.

The part number for the coupler is the one mentioned above (4443436AC). I was able to order mine at my local dealer but I did have to supply the part number. All the references I've seen say that they fit back to '66 models. The shoes and internal spring are exactly alike between the rebuild kit and my original '64 parts. The only parts that are different are the cover plate and seal.

The new seal and cover plate would most likely fit on a '64 coupler. The coupler doesn't have the bell shaped opening like the '65 and newer but that shouldn't be an issue. The newer cover plate clamps on to the coupler body in the same places. You would have some overhang but the seal should still work.

I was very careful removing my original cover plate so I'm going to try and use it. The seal should fit just fine once I trim the sides to fit the square cover plate.