Jegs, Universal Steering Column

[rfullington]

Now that I am into the steering column rebuild, I realize the PO lost some parts when he tried to install a rack and bearing kit. I am wondering if it would just be easier to get a universal steering column from Jegs.
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/70464/10002/-1

I do not want to do a lot of mods to make something work if I don't have to, but this seems to be reasonably priced compared to OEM rebuilds.
Has anyone had experience with installing one of these universal columns?

 

[JeeperChris]

Do you mean "Rack and Pinion" kit? I'm not sure what a rack and bearing kit is, but I havn't done much steering stuff yet.

Also don't forget that you will have to move your ignition to the dash as those columns don't have the key switch. I was looking at one of those tilt units for my CJ and noticed that. The one you linked doesn't have it either.

 

[rfullington]

No, Not rack and pinion, rack and bearing kit goes in the steering column within the tilt collar. When you turn the key, the rack pushes a lever to the ignition on the collar. Mine was broken so when you turned the key the lever would not push down and engage the ignition. I was having to push it with a pair of pliers then jump it at the solenoid to crank it.
https://www.amazon.com/Steering-Column-Tilt-Bearing-Rack/dp/B00ADWKEXI

Yeah, I noticed later that that column does not have a key. Not sure I am interested in relocating the key to the dash right now. I found one of the missing pieces in the column online. It is a preload spring.

https://www.opgi.com/el-camino/PP00282/

I am going to order it and see if I can get this column put back together. I am having a hard time getting the new upper and lower bearings from the kit to go back in the column. I know they are supposed to be snug, but wow! Anyone have a good idea/procedure for getting the bearings in place? Is there a tool that presses them in place?

Thanks!

 

[GRR]

They sell a keyed version, but it costs more. Also, you would need an adapter for the output shaft


https://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/sto...&submodel=&engine=&Nrpp=&No=&persistYmm=false



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk