'71 Challenger RT steering

[Ivor]

Well the first thing is that the fact the column has moved back indicates that the pinch bolt at the bottom of the shaft is loose...you didn't say whether or not it was a manual or power steer car...

[Dave999]

and if the column comes up then the circlip at the top of the shaft is missing

you need to take of wheel
pull the crush can (if fitted) (that's a right palava without the correct puller, and you will soon find out if nobody has used the correct puller because the threads will be ruined) 3 leg puller and look for a new crush can !!!

take off the indicator cancel switch

and the hold down bit of metal

big spring clip round the top of the steering shaft but you will be hard pushed to notice it


down the other end ivor is right

either yiour rag joint is shafted (rubber and cloth bit designed to take out some road vibration in the junction between shaft and box) or the bit that splines onto the steering box is riding up and down on the splines

it shouldn't do this becuase there should be a roll pin or bolt through it that fits into a necked in part of the splined shaft out of the box....designed to stop this kinda thing happening

the circlip at the top you can live without but this bottom bit saves ya life...i.e check it before going out again

Dave

[Pete]

I think Dave is on the case here.
Incidentally vague and imprecise was factory standard...

[JohnR]

If you have ever driven a series Land Rover you will know what vague is !!!!