Steering column moves in and out

[Colo Dean]

Putting the steering column back in and found that the shaft is sliding up and down within the outer tube. Is this normal??
With it pushed in there is 1 1/8" from the end of the inner shaft to the outer tube. Pulled out there is 1 3/4"


Looking at the drawings, it shows the bushing assemblies but nothing really shows that it keeps the shaft from moving up and down. I have not disassembled the column as of yet. If something is broke, any ideas where to get parts? I see all kinds of parts for 76 and up but not for a 74.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Hedgehog]

The steering wheel ... if it's stock, will pull it to the correct position.

 

[Colo Dean]

Thank Hedgehog, I have the original wheel but I will be replacing with something a little smaller so I can get in and out a little easier.

 

[Hedgehog]

In and out .... Man do I ever know what you are talking about. When I first got the CJ it had a little tiny wheel. It felt stupid to drive, like a low rider. I actually went against the rules and shortened the shaft and column 2". Then went with the full sized wheel felt great. Then for reasons hard to explain I had to lift the body by adding one more puck. This shortened the wheel even more. Now I have trouble jumping while sliding my leg under the wheel. It is still comfortable to drive ... oh yeah then there is having my leg hit the bottom of the wheel while braking. So, now I've got a full size replacement steering column and all the parts to rebuild it AND have a real working horn. The bottom sleeve bearing is worn out. Then I found Barney's. He has parts for our era CJ. I got a bottom bearing, it needed some fitting, but works great. A top bearing from Omix and surprisingly enough a new "Hazard" dash light. Rob at Willys works had all the parts the CJ needed to set up a stock horn button configuration. Also a stock turn signal that needed a good cleaning along with some internal polishing, it's like new now. I truly love the stock wheel, it just feels right in my hand, I just wish they had the same design in a 15" wheel. A perfect wheel would be "D" shaped, but the "D" wheels are crazy expensive.

Hope this post helps, at least you know someone else is having the same problems.