The test subject is a '72 Satellite with factory power steering. I prefer manual steering, and so I commenced with the conversion process. I was planning on using that after market adapter which extends the steering shaft and makes up for the different splines, but then a weird thing happened!

Upon removing the steering column, the shaft slid out because the nylon pins were apparently dry-rotted and broken. I measured the amount of male DD shaft portion of the shaft at 4-1/4'' long. Out of curiosity, I reinstalled the column and pulled the female end of the shaft out to meet the new manual steering box (with the appropriate coupler) ...and according to my measurements, I still have 2-1/2'' of DD shaft penetration into the column. An earlier post reply by a Moparts member stated that missing the nylon pins was no big deal, so I'm to go with 2-1/2'' penetration... right???

I'd prefer to use the word CONTACT or CONNECTION.
Penetration seems a bit creepy.
A buddy did this during a conversion in his 71 Challenger. The nylon pins absorb vibration in the column. Your idea will work, but more noise is transmitted as a result.

OMG, you are so funny! I have a dirty mind, but I don't love my car that much!

Thanks for your "INPUT". I hope that word doesn't throw anyone's mind into the gutter! On the matter of vibration absorption, I'll ask my wife how she "FEELS" about it. (Just kidding) I suppose that I could "DRILL" new holes for the nylon pins. OOPS!

Word...nylon does not dry rot.

R.

I don't even know what those pins are made of. It doesn't matter. They are very old and extremely brittle. You made me angry, so now I have to stop working on my beloved car and eat my ice cream before the container dry-rots and makes a huge mess!

I'm not too touchy at all Stumpy. Dogdays did this kind of thing to me before, and for all I know, he might have done it on purpose. Steering issues are a serious matter, and I was seeking help with this post from anyone who has more knowledge and experience than I do. I was hoping to get more than one serious helpful opinion. If this steering discovery is a safe modification. There might be other people who could benefit from hearing about it. If it is a bad idea, I certainly do not want to drive my car in that condition. I will kindly take your good advice and ignore dogdays, and hopefully he will ignore me too! My sincere apologies to him if he reads any of this nonsense!

Now, if anyone else wants to risk me biting their head off... please reply about the steering question.

Thanks Stumpy!

Ok to be honest I don't think 2.5 inches is safe. I would go ahead and add the adapter. But that's just my opinion.

Damn you Stumpy! Ya had to ruin it for me! Ha-ha-ha!

Next question: How do you set the VCR to record?

What kind of drugs do they have down there in Tampa? lol

Hah! That's the funny part! I am drug and alcohol free! Hmmm... maybe I should ask my mental therapist for some drugs!

Push the red button.

Yeah okay, but first... should I cut the red wire, or the blue one? And I suppose you want me to pull your finger after that?

poot!!

Damn but this is one effed up thread...

Yes and it offends me...

The first time Stanley posts in months and its on this thread......

Note to OP.
The use of OMG by a grown man also sounds creepy.

I'm telling ya, Stanley can smell out the unusual threads.

Welcome back Commando1.

is there 2 1/2" engagement in the pot coupler ? or for that matter, any splined or double "d" aftermarket or factory steering ujoint ? most of these are around 1 , 1 1/2" max and are considered safe. if so, i would think an extra inch or so[2 1/2]in the shaft engagement would be enough.[as long as it was not a sloppy fit] just my opinion. your mileage will vary,

The factory didn't think 2.5" would be ok, anytime you wish to deviate from factory specifications, especially in regards to safety, "I think" is not a good enough measure to justify the change.

The factory setup slides into a sheetmetal tube, aftermarket and factory DD ujoints don't use sheetmetal tubes. That alone can account for the difference in engagement.