switch from manual to bendix question

[kevinppierce]

I just switched my 65 over to power steering with a bendix box. It works great but, after all was said and done the steering wheel was about 1/4" from sitting flush down on the column where it should be, to the point that when the steering wheel returns to the straight postion it doesn't reset the tun singnal. The steering shaft appears to be just a bit to long. I have not heard of this problem from others that have done this swap. Has anyone else faced this problem. Any sugestions short of pulling the shaft out and shortening it?

[cghstrojan08]

I had the same problem on my 69. I tried to switch over using the bendix box. It came out with an 1 inch of space. I tried moving the column up since they can and didn't help any. I said fu.. it and pulled it out and bought a brand new manual box. I ended up selling the bendix box on ebay for almost $200. I don't know, does the 65 steering column move up like the 67-72?

[fordman]

the rod and the column are seperate pieces and can be adjusted in length some. but if you cant adjust any more. then you can get a shorter column and or shorten the shaft on the one you have by cutting the flange off the bottom and removing a chunk and then welding the flange back on.

[kevinppierce]

I have not found a way to move the the column up. The shaft can not be moved down. It's fixed by the gear and rag joint. All I need is a 1/4". looks like I'm going to have to shorten the shaft at the gear end. Unless I can find away to get some movement in tne columm.

[fordman]

yea i kind of unsure about a 65 but in th 67-72 the column holder is slotted and it can sometimes move up and down. but you also have to reset the set ring on the botom of the column to let it adjust also. so maybe you cant go down because of that ring? or maybe you dont have the slotted dash bolt holes im not sure. i hope this helps you.

[FORDification]

Do you have the rag joint coupler slid all the way onto the steering box input shaft? You might try loosening up that clamp and see if you can't tap it onto the steering box shaft a tiny bit more.

Also, keep in mind the rag joint is flexible. If all you need is 1/4", you might be able to flex the rag joint enough to make that up.