I’m considering converting from power steering back to manual
steering on my 69 2+2. I know that the steering column on the
manual setup is longer than the power steering column, but I need
to know just how much longer. I haven’t found any used columns for
sale, so I intend to have a machine shop extend the length of my
column.
Does anyone have easy access to their 4.2L manual steering column
so that you can give me an accurate measurement of the length of
the lower column section?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.–
Tom McCanna 1969 2+2, 1995 XJ6 Minneapolis
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from tmac sent Tue 1 Jun 2010:
Well, never mind! Dick Maury found the answer for me. The manual
steering lower column is exactly 3’’ longer than the power steering
lower column. Just thought I’d post that for future reference…–
The original message included these comments:
I’m considering converting from power steering back to manual
steering on my 69 2+2. I know that the steering column on the
manual setup is longer than the power steering column, but I need
to know just how much longer. I haven’t found any used columns for
sale, so I intend to have a machine shop extend the length of my
column.
Does anyone have easy access to their 4.2L manual steering column
so that you can give me an accurate measurement of the length of
the lower column section?
–
Tom McCanna 1969 2+2, 1995 XJ6 Minneapolis
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from tmac sent Tue 1 Jun 2010:
Tom,
Can’t help you on the length question, but rather than change
the original part, have you looked into making one from Borgeson
bits? You _might change your mind at some later date…
Andrew–
The original message included these comments:
to know just how much longer. I haven’t found any used columns for
sale, so I intend to have a machine shop extend the length of my
column.
–
1968 3.8S
Zurich, Switzerland
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from JagWaugh sent Tue 1 Jun 2010:
Andrew,
Good idea - I took a look at their website, and yes, they appear to
have the components that would enable me to build my own new lower
shaft. Upon reflection, I’ve decided to keep the power steering.
I have two bad shoulder injuries, and I guess I have to face the
fact that its not getting any easier for me to muscle a manual
steering wheel - even though I know the e-type manual rack isn’t
that hard to manage. Getting old sucks!–
The original message included these comments:
Can't help you on the length question, but rather than change
the original part, have you looked into making one from Borgeson
bits? You _might change your mind at some later date…
–
Tom McCanna 1969 2+2, 1995 XJ6 Minneapolis
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from tmac sent Tue 1 Jun 2010:
Tom,
The only alternative to getting old is to die young. As my Dad
used to say ‘‘Every day aboveground is a good one.’’ (particularily
meaningful as he apprenticed in a Coal mine).
I’ve never actually ordered anything from Borgesons, but from
what I see in their catalogue one should be able to make up a shaft
to pretty much any configuration required. Plus, as a Geek, I just
like looking at that kind of stuff.
Andrew–
The original message included these comments:
Good idea - I took a look at their website, and yes, they appear to
have the components that would enable me to build my own new lower
shaft. Upon reflection, I’ve decided to keep the power steering.
–
1968 3.8S
Zurich, Switzerland
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from JagWaugh sent Tue 1 Jun 2010:
In the immortal words of Bette Davis,
''Growing old ain't for sissies!''
No S*it! One of my favorite terms when discussing age with my fellow
instructors. As of July 15, I will be 64 and never in my life could I
imagine being that old! I had a discussion with another instructor last
night and was amazed that he would be 28 in August.
Geez, I feel old!
George Cohn
'70 OTSOn 6/2/2010 3:59 PM, TheRickster wrote:
In reply to a message from tmac sent Tue 1 Jun 2010:
Are Series 1 and 2 manual lower steering columns
interchangeable? Thanks.–
The original message included these comments:
I’m considering converting from power steering back to manual
steering on my 69 2+2. I know that the steering column on the
manual setup is longer than the power steering column, but I need
–
Jack Burke '71 FHC
Issaquah, WA, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
My steering column appears to be an inch or so short. This is the S2
collapsible steering column, and I know this car has had front end
damage in the past, so I am thinking the column collapsed some in the
collision. The upper u-joint fouls against the bulkhead/under dash
panel and the bolt holes in the bracket that attaches the upper column
to the body do not line up with the captive nuts. The PO “fixed” it
with a stack if washers and self tapping screws, but I would like to
get to the bottom of it.
In reply to a message from John North sent Mon 8 Dec 2014:
Very simple for me to do since mine is sitting on a table.
34 7/16 from end of spline on one end to end of spline on
other end.
Series 1.5 May '68 build with collapsible column.
HTH–
Craig Gilbert - '68 E-Type FHC - RIP
Birmingham, AL, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from John North sent Mon 8 Dec 2014:
If you’re going to buy a new steering column, you might want to
consider installing electric power steering! I put on wider tires
and the EPS works great. Also, considering jag part prices, it
might not be much more.
About 4 hours to install the EPS, pull out the old steering column
and insert a new one with a DC motor drive.–
The original message included these comments:
My steering column appears to be an inch or so short. This is the S2
collapsible steering column, and I know this car has had front end
damage in the past, so I am thinking the column collapsed some in the
collision. The upper u-joint fouls against the bulkhead/under dash
–
Mike Oldak 67 1 1/4 OTS
Bethesda, Maryland, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from John North sent Mon 8 Dec 2014:
John if you find a source for new collapsible steering columns can
you post it here?
I would like to retrofit them into my two series one cars to
replace the solid ones they have.–
The original message included these comments:
Anyone have their column out the car and can measure? Mine is 33 5/8 inches.
In reply to a message from abowie sent Mon 8 Dec 2014:
Andrew- If you want to attept this swap you would need to
modify your firewall above the steering column because the
collapsible column has a larger outer diameter. The Series
1.5 and 2 firewalls have a ‘‘hump’’ in them above the steering
column.–
The original message included these comments:
John if you find a source for new collapsible steering columns can
you post it here?
I would like to retrofit them into my two series one cars to
replace the solid ones they have.
–
Doug- 1968 Series 1.5 E-Type OTS 1E16060
Denver, CO, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
John,
I’m not an S2 guy but the collapsible part of your column looks fine.
The problem appears to be forward of the cockpit.
pauls
My steering column appears to be an inch or so short. This is the S2
collapsible steering column, and I know this car has had front end
damage in the past, so I am thinking the column collapsed some in the
collision. The upper u-joint fouls against the bulkhead/under dash
panel and the bolt holes in the bracket that attaches the upper column
to the body do not line up with the captive nuts. The PO “fixed” it
with a stack if washers and self tapping screws, but I would like to
get to the bottom of it.
<<<<<<<<<<<From: John North johncnorth@gmail.com
Subject: [E-Type] Steering column length
Actually the collapsible part is forward in the engine compartment, in
the lower shaft. It is two part, and the top part slides into the
bottom section breaking plastic pins. S1 has a single solid shaft.
I am not being successful finding any new parts, so started the used
part search…
John
S2 CoupeOn Mon, Dec 8, 2014 at 9:47 PM, Paul Spurlock jagdood@gmail.com wrote:
John,
I’m not an S2 guy but the collapsible part of your column looks fine.
The problem appears to be forward of the cockpit.
pauls
From: John North <@John_North>
Subject: [E-Type] Steering column length
My steering column appears to be an inch or so short. This is the S2
collapsible steering column, and I know this car has had front end
damage in the past, so I am thinking the column collapsed some in the
collision. The upper u-joint fouls against the bulkhead/under dash
panel and the bolt holes in the bracket that attaches the upper column
to the body do not line up with the captive nuts. The PO “fixed” it
with a stack if washers and self tapping screws, but I would like to
get to the bottom of it.
In reply to a message from John North sent Mon 8 Dec 2014:
John, Since you now know your steering column is an inch
‘‘short’’…can you not ‘‘stretch’’ it back to its original
length. If the metal lace sleeve is not wrecked, I seem to
recall the shafts have an inner and outer sleeves, which
might need ''adjusting ‘’. I had my 1970 stuff apart for
cleaning etc, but I don’t have pics…so I could be off base!?–
The original message included these comments:
Anyone have their column out the car and can measure? Mine is 33 5/8 inches.
John North
1969 S2 Coupe
–
John M Holmes 1973 E Type SIII Supra 5Sp, 70 SII OTS 05XJ8L
Ontario, Canada
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from John M Holmes sent Tue 9 Dec 2014:
Just to add…the series II has 2 collapsable elements. The cage
part and if this has moved then the bearings would no longer be
correctly set. The preload is determined by shims on assembly.
The second element is the lower shaft which is in two pieces
retained by 2 nylon plugs which are visible on the flat part of the
shaft. If this part has collapsed then it is possible to pull it
apart clean it and reset the length. You may have difficulty
obtaining the correct nylon plugs, however I am sure you could
devise something similar.
To fit an upper shaft into the ‘‘wrong’’ model car takes some work as
there are no captive nuts in the bulkhead on a SII for the lower
bracket (4 bolts) and there is no scallop for the wider cage of the
SII upper column on a S1 bulkhead, nor captive nuts for the 2
securing bolts.
Not saying it can’t be done, but how much work do you want.
In reply to a message from John M Holmes sent Tue 9 Dec 2014:
Maybe I’m misunderstanding, but I think that the part of the
steering column that John is concerned about is the lower steering
column, not the upper column that is shown in his photo. He
believes that the lower column has collapsed in an accident, and
that the nylon plugs that hold the two parts together have sheered.
As a result, the shaft is an inch or so short. The adventurous PO
of his car appears to have addressed this by moving the upper
steering column assembly towards the firewall by an inch or so to
mate up with the (now shorter) lower column. He did this by taking
advantage of the slotted holes at the ‘‘top’’ end of the upper
steering column mounting bracket, and by making 2 new holes to
mount the ‘‘bottom’’ end of the upper steering column bracket with
self tapping screws. This is shown in John’s photo. I agree with
John that this needs to be fixed properly. I would also be checking
that the upper column has not collapsed in the accident (the upper
column collapses through the mesh area in the outer column
compressing, and by nylon plugs in the inner column sheering much
like the lower column).
I have not been able to find a supplier who sells new lower
steering columns, or advertises that they can refurbish a collapsed
column by replacing the nylon plugs. I’d have thought that
collapsed columns must occur quite frequently, more often than not
from a ‘‘ham-fisted’’ mechanic (like me!) trying to get the splines
to slide into the UJs and not realizing that it will damage the
column. Maybe no-one wants to replace the plugs because of
liability concerns… Hopefully, someone like Welshes who carry
used parts will have a replacement lower column.
If I have further muddied the waters in my interpretation of John’s
question - my apologies. It seemed to me that some readers were
interpretting the question to be about the upper column, not the
lower…
My bad, I thought it was in the column and pretty much not a
repairable item. I have read something about shear pins but replacing
them (if they exist) would be a little scary without knowing the
hardness composition.
pauls
Actually the collapsible part is forward in the engine compartment, in
the lower shaft. It is two part, and the top part slides into the
bottom section breaking plastic pins. S1 has a single solid shaft.
I am not being successful finding any new parts, so started the used
part search…
<<<<<<<<<<From: John North johncnorth@gmail.com
Subject: Re: [E-Type] Steering column length
In reply to a message from John M Holmes sent Tue 9 Dec 2014:
Maybe I’m misunderstanding, but I think that the part of the
steering column that John is concerned about is the lower steering
column, not the upper column that is shown in his photo. He
believes that the lower column has collapsed in an accident, and
that the nylon plugs that hold the two parts together have sheered.
As a result, the shaft is an inch or so short. The adventurous PO
of his car appears to have addressed this by moving the upper
steering column assembly towards the firewall by an inch or so to
mate up with the (now shorter) lower column. He did this by taking
advantage of the slotted holes at the ‘‘top’’ end of the upper
steering column mounting bracket, and by making 2 new holes to
mount the ‘‘bottom’’ end of the upper steering column bracket with
self tapping screws. This is shown in John’s photo. I agree with
John that this needs to be fixed properly. I would also be checking
that the upper column has not collapsed in the accident (the upper
column collapses through the mesh area in the outer column
compressing, and by nylon plugs in the inner column sheering much
like the lower column).
I have not been able to find a supplier who sells new lower
steering columns, or advertises that they can refurbish a collapsed
column by replacing the nylon plugs. I’d have thought that
collapsed columns must occur quite frequently, more often than not
from a ‘‘ham-fisted’’ mechanic (like me!) trying to get the splines
to slide into the UJs and not realizing that it will damage the
column. Maybe no-one wants to replace the plugs because of
liability concerns… Hopefully, someone like Welshes who carry
used parts will have a replacement lower column.
If I have further muddied the waters in my interpretation of John’s
question - my apologies. It seemed to me that some readers were
interpretting the question to be about the upper column, not the
lower…
