STLCRZY

Hi

I notice that my complete steering shaft doesn´t aling ( 65/442-455). I really have problems to put the lower steering bearing in the column.
The shaft is 100% straight.
Because i cant´ change the bolting position of the Steering box to the frame and the column under the DASH with the 2 Bolts it seems the like frame horns not straight or the cockpit on the frame sits not straight...ist his correct ?

joe_padavano

Are you saying that the shaft is laterally misaligned from the box? If so, have you unbolted the panel that holds the lower end of the column at the toe pan? Note the oversize holes that allow for adjustment.

STLCRZY

Joe unbolted this plate,but it doesn´t help.

joe_padavano

Didn't it align when you took it out? Obviously something is assembled incorrectly. Start by completely unbolting the column from the dash and toe pan, connect the rag joint, then reattach the column. When the column is unbolted from the dash and toe pan there's nothing holding it in any orientation.

STLCRZY

I have tested this several times , it seems that it doesn´t align beetween the bolting points ( Box and column /2Bolds under the dash )

STLCRZY

To correct this miss aligment, do i need a single or double u-joint?

Loaded68W34

First you need to post some actual photos (at the steering box, at the firewall, under the dash) of the mis-alignment you are talking about.

STLCRZY

Will do

joe_padavano

Is this an aftermarket column?

STLCRZY

No Joe

2blu442

Yes, pictures would help. The early Toronado's had a u-joint in the column. But the Cutlass/442 shouldn't have unless we're mixing up the terms, u-joint vs rag joint.

STLCRZY

Hope it helps

STLCRZY

Would a single u-joint like the sweet 401-50606 help to correct this misalignment if install direct before the lower bearing ?

https://sweetmanufacturing.com/product/401-50606/

joe_padavano

Stop.

There was no U-joint needed from the factory. If the car has the OEM steering box and OEM steering column, then figure out why they don't align. If you unbolt the toeboard plate, there are inches of lateral adjustment available. Mate the column to the box FIRST, then bolt it to the dash and toeboard.

STLCRZY

OEM steering column yes
Quick ratio box

joe_padavano

It's still a Saginaw 800 box like the original, right? Or is this one of the new smaller 600 series?

STLCRZY

Its a Lares 972 or 974...believe must be a800?

joe_padavano

So back to my original point. The column and box were aligned when the car left the factory. Presumably they were aligned when you took it apart. What is different now?

STLCRZY

...if anyone have the same situation YES the sweet 401-50606 correct it

nsnarsk65cutlass

Hard to say for sure from the picture, but maybe a lower column bearing issue.