Postal Jeep Column Differences

Last weekend, I found 2 pre '75 postal jeeps in a junkyard and grabbed both steering columns. Complete from steering wheel to rag joint. I just pulled off the wheels this morning, seperated the steering shafts from the columns, and noticed differences between the 2 setups. Here are the approx measurements:

Column 1:
From horn button to end of splines: 36"
Steering shaft from end of U joint to end of rag joint: 32.5"

Column 2:
From horn button to end of splines: 32.5"
Steering shaft from end of U joint to end of rag joint: 36"

As you can see, the overall lengths between the columns and the shafts are the same. But when I mount the columns in the jeep, "Column 1" goes furthur into the engine compartment than "Column 2". Anyone ever come across these differences in the postal columns? Which of the 2 setups should I use and why?

 

i would think and someone tell me im wrong but wouldnt the one that goes further into the engine compartment make it so the steering linkage might run into the motor mount more likely?

i should go out and measure mine. but that would require digging it out from the back of my jeep.

 

There were postal DJs with the "bubble" grill, which I expect was based on the pre-72 frame, and postal DJs that had the later frame (that's already stretched to accomodate the 232). The later frame would have more distance to the steering box from the dash. Do you remember any more about the DJs?

 

do they both have identical flat steering wheels ? Those dimensions #2 seem like the later model with the modern looking dished steering wheel.

JB

 

Yes, both have the exact same steering wheel, indicating they are both pre '75. Every part is the same between the two setups. The only difference is the dimensions I mentioned. I don't remember anything else about the jeeps I got the setups off. All I was interested in was the steering stuff. But what Tim mentions makes sense. I'm just wondering which one I should use. I have time to play around and figure it out, but I figured I'd check with you guys first and see if anyone else has come across this.

 

You want to use the column that is 32-1/2" from horn button to end of splines and a steering shaft that is 30-1/2" from rag joint flange to end of splines. I didn't measure the U-joint length because I was measuring installed parts. I believe the last conversion I did the column was the long one because the steering shaft required more of the motor mt. to be cut. I didn't realize the difference at the time but I kept thinking to myself that there was more sticking through the floor pan.

JB

 

Tim,

I thought the bubble grills were used just so they could continue to use the short fenders and hood but the long frame.

JB

 

Could be about the bubble grill - I'm definitely not an expert. I'm pretty sure that the earlier ones had the flat grill (with the 153/powerglide?), then they went to the 232. I also thought that they later went back to the flat grill, but maybe not.

 

JB, Thanks, That makes sense. Now we know that the pre '75 postal columns have their differences, but either way, you can make them work. Since I have both columns, I'll go with the setup you suggest to make things go a little easier.