The Dodge Challenger Message Board

HELP, I feel like a complete idiot... I can not figure out the orientation of the floor plate and the smaller 'O" ring bbracket. Does anyone have a good photo or two of the proper positioning of the larger floor plate, with the column installed.
Does the large floor plate go on th inside, if so, does the raised area face the interior or the firewall. Seems like it should go towards the firewall but the bolt holes wont allow properpositioning.. All I need is a few clear photos from the firewall side and the interior side... THANK YOU

I'm pretty sure it goes inside the cockpit and the 'lip' facing towards the interior. I'll try and find you a pic of mine. I pulled my column in a one piece unit. But took some pics before that happened.

Here is a pic. It shows the faded area inside the cockpit. This proves it was covered with the plate from the inside. The 'lip' has to face inward to seal the sheetmetal and the gap that would occur if the lip were facing in other way. I couldnt find a better pic.

Thanks for the pic. That confirms the larger plate orientation... was the smaller plate (that seals the O ring to the lager plate) on the interior of the car, or the engine bay side? Mine was on the engine side, however the manual would lead me to believe otherwise... Thank you very much for your time on this...

Ok I am clear on the bracket orientation, but something else is still wrong. It almost seems as though the lower steering shaft is too short. I have the same column and same power steering box (rebuilt by Steer and Gear). When reinstalling the column, the shaft is short of the coupler. I have 8" of lower shaft protuding from the column, can someone tell me if this is correct? Seems as though it should be about 2" longer to fit properly....
Thank you

Wish I could answer your question. Dave Fabian, Drew, ect will know this one. I am at a loss

petrodad wrote:Thanks for the pic. That confirms the larger plate orientation... was the smaller plate (that seals the O ring to the lager plate) on the interior of the car, or the engine bay side? Mine was on the engine side, however the manual would lead me to believe otherwise... Thank you very much for your time on this...

Firewall, then large plate, then small plate. Going from the firewall back inside.
Once the column is ready to install (all gaskets in place) :
Install the upper column nuts (under the dash cluster) just enough so that the column is supported, then install the large plate bolts, don't tighten them. fith the column end on the steering box, tighten the upper column bolts, then the large plate bolts, then the small plate bolts.
At last, install the clip that holds the lower bushing (engine side of the firewall - if your column still has a bushing, which it should).

OK thanks for all the help. Ive got it figured out. Part of my problem was that the lower shaft had been slid into the column, maybe when I removed it two years ago.. Anyway, I extended it and it looks as though all should be good.
I do think I am missing the bushing clip though, is this a problem? Also, is an O ring necessary, or can some silicone sealnt be used to seal the plates to the column ?

I'm also sure there was a gasket on the inside of the plate. It was thin black rubber type of gasket. They make a firewall gaskets/plug kit available at Year One or Paddock for E-bodies. I remember it hanging from my colume when it was stored in my bedroom,(Dont ask).