hi all,
im wanting to rebuild my steering column on my 1970 dodge challenger rt383 4 speed but have no idea where to start.sitting in my challenger and holding the steering wheel you can move the steering wheel back and forth but only so far. from the engine bay you can see the shaft sliding and it seems the only thing holding it to the steering box is the roll pin. i would like to replace everything from the steering box coupler to the steering wheel with all new parts clips bearings etc. can anyone provide a list of all parts required to rebuilt it and maybe pics from a manual?
best regards
jeremy

Below is a link for moparmanuals.com. They can fix you up with the manual in CD form. Its really nice to have for lots of things. When I did my column I used a parts kit from Year One. I'm not sure they still offer it but worth checking.

I sent mine out for the work and regretted it. By the time I got it back and straightened out I could have done it myself.

http://www.moparmanuals.com/mopar/main/home.asp

Is there a way to remove the crush can off an E body column? I'm not that tall and have to scoot my seat up to reach my pedals. Doing so puts my wrists way past the wheels when my arms are semi-extended. Having a shorter column would be great for me

I doubt you could remove the crush can entirely but I believe either FMJ or A bodies came with a shorter crush can. You won't believe what taking a couple of inches off the length of the column would do for affect and feel. Also consider you will have to make the indicator lever more straight out from the column. Nothing is easy is it!

Rylis... yes the crush can can be removed... i did it on my challenger a long time ago... if i remember corectly, there's a big nut to be removed. As you know, I have a small steering wheel (11.5" diameter) and it has a deep dish ~5"... the smaller diameter wheel further makes the steering quicker, especially when running thru pylons and other quick manuevers. You might have to slightly bend the turn signal lever pending your final choice of steering wheel.

What about shortening an e-body can? Not too hard to do?

Cut and weld is certainly possible... I wouldn't trust my welding skills on a part like that though.

Here's a good article on rebuilding the E-body column.

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/howto/mopp_0308_mopar_steering_column_rebuild/

I have a PDF of a more detailed breakdown if you need it.

The can comes off just like any other steering wheel. It's splined like a wheel and has threads for puller bolts. But if you do remove it you'll need to replace it with a steering wheel that is splined the same as for cars w/o the spacer can. And that wheel may bee pretty far away. You'll need a wheel puller small enough to fit inside the can.

From what I've read a B body smooth can is shorter and bolts right on, just have to find one

Sorry for going off topic

Attached is some info I saved. Not sure who the original author was.

Anyone know what diameter the steering shaft is?
is it 5/8" or 3/4"? How many splines does it have?
I have to modify my column to adapt a quick disconnect steering wheel and probably need to weld in a quick release hub

Thanks