B-Body Floor Shift Steering Column

Today I restored my steering column for my 1969 Charger. It originally had a floor shifted auto, I am converting to four speed. Anyway I took some photo's as I went and will post so that maybe it can go to Tech. The FSM doesn't cover the floor shifed columns. Here goes...


I had disassembled the thing a year ago so I can't go over the dis assembly. First I installed the support in the outside "Jacket". The support is the metal piece with four tabs on it. The spring washer will go in later. The silver tube goes in after the support is installed and is slid in from the lower end.

I then installed the lower bearing. I cleaned mine and re-greased the bearing. Tom at R/T Specialties has new ones if needed. Leave the screws out for now. Slide the Tube down into the lower bearing.

I then installed the spring washer and the housing onto the tube in the Jacket.

Next the outer housing is installed. First install the bearing in the rubber casing into the housing. Then there are two square bolts that fit into the backside of the outer housing. I put in the bolts and installed the nuts on the first few threads. I slid on the outer housing and jiggled it until the two bolts went into the slots in the Jacket. Tighten these two bolts.

Next I installed a new turn signal switch and the bearing retainer.

Then came the turn signal lever. This is an NOS piece that I believe are still available

I then installed the wiring cover that attaches with 2 small screws.

I then installed the "Clamp" onto the jacket. I reused the white plastic spacers but again R/T Specialties has them new. The are 4 short bolts that hold it to the jacket.

Next were the two plates that attach to the firewall as well as the "O" ring that goes between the two plates. There are two bolts that attach the smaller plate to the larger, and 4 bolts w/ large washers that attach the larger plate to the firewall.

I then installed the wires into the insulator as directed by the FSM. There were some open spots on the insulator. The spots are the same for all cars and may include cruise control etc.

Next I installed the small clip/snap ring onto the steering shaft. I then slid the steering shaft in from the bottom of the tube and pulled the shaft through the upper bearing with a small piece of tubing and the nut and washer for the wheel. Once the shaft is through the bearing, install the outer snap ring onto the shaft.

I then installed the coupler that attaches to the steering unit. I have to order a new kit for mine, but here is a pic if the pieces.

Add your steering wheel and you are done. Not a bad day at the shop. Hope this helps someone else, Mike

Also if someone needs a reference for woodgrain, here is an original wheel that was on a Western Sport Special Dart I bought from the Little Old Lady.