Re: Steering wheel keyed to column shaft

["Jim or Ginger Aos" <jaos@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Allan,  When I changed the 1200 D over to the Blazer draglink, I had to
change the ends on the steering and pitman arms.  Another possibility of
alignment is to make an adjustable stabilizer from the left side of the
front axel to the frame near to the non shackled end of the spring.  Then
you can loosen the spring to axel connection and in effect lengthen or
shorten  the stabilizer to allow the draglink to center the steering wheel.
I did that and after which, when I steped on the brakes, I no longer had to
correct for a turning left, due to the spring moving in the flexible
bushing.  If interested I can describe the stabilizer Cheers Jim A.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Allan W." <allanw@domain.elided>
To: <ihc-digest@domain.elided>
Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2003 9:06 AM
Subject: Steering wheel keyed to column shaft


> I don't know about Scouts, but on my 72 pickup, the steering wheel
> is definitely keyed to only fit with one alignment to the shaft.
> On the splines all around it, there is exactly one spline that
> is not cut into the shaft.  The steering wheel has the same missing
> mating spline.  Thus it only goes on ONE way, and it is not
> centered.  I have reasoned that it is built this way to ensure
> the steering box is centered when the steering linkage is
> adjusted correctly.  The tightest point on a Saginaw box is
>  the straight ahead position.
>
> This came about when I replaced the drag link.  On a (72) pickup
> the drag link goes to a steering arm on the driver's side and
> it isn't adjustable.  I've been researching methods for fitting
> an adjustable link.  I believe one from a fullsize Blazer will fit,
> but have never gotten around to testing that theory.
>
> Allan W.