Steering Shaft Questions

I've noticed that there are different steering shafts for manual vs power steering for sale. Is one simply heavier, or are they different lengths or have different ends?

 

its my experience that p/s has larger diameter shafts than manual steering does
especially at the box end; including the pitman arm
fwiw

 

What he said! I've also found in some applications the "clocking" of the pitman arm is different as well. Diameter is different plus spline count is different as well. Nickmil.

 

but do all manual shafts have the same diameter and spline count?
do all power shafts have the same diameter and spline count?

 

in regards to factory stock Jeep CJ models, yes
full size Jeeps and postals, no, there are different splines
Ford, Chrysler, IH, I don't know

 

yes, i was refering to cj's.
i also am converting my ross to manual saginaw. so from what is said above, the diameter and the spline count is the same for all '72 and up cj's.
what about the length of the shaft? don't the '76 and newer jeeps have a longer hood and fenders which would suggest a longer nose? which means the '76 and newer cj's have a longer steering shaft? I'm sure it could be shortened, but when putting manual saginaw in a pre '72, wouldn't a '72-'75 shaft be the proper spline count, diameter, AND length?

 

The front ends got longer in '72, rather than '76. Regardless of what shaft you get, you're going to have to shorten it - IIRC. It might be possible to move the column mounting point a bit to make it work, but I doubt you can get an extra 3" (that's how much longer the '72 and up CJ5's are).

 

okay thanks. i didnt realize that. I thought the 72-75 frames were the same length as pre 72 frames.

 

nope just the width. they lenghthened to make room for amc v8 ( i think)

 

I recall someone here writing that the AMC V8 would have fit, but the inline 6s were the problem. The sheetmetal is stretched even further than the frame - 5" IIRC, right in front of the cowl.

 

I remember reading the strech was for the AMC I6.

 

well whatever the reason, the fact is the stretch occured in 1972. is that true?

 

now that i think about it, you're right on both counts.

 

Yes.