I want to install a tilt steering column on my 1983 Dodge van. I have the column but I forgot to grab the tilt-column only u-joint that goes between the end of the center shaft and the gearbox.
These are surprisingly hard to find used.
I bought one from a junkyard in California, but it has a torn boot and is missing the clamp that goes around the fitting that engages the splines on the gearbox input shaft:
The turn signal switch in my current non-tilt column is a $70 aftermarket part that is cheaply made crap. It lasted less tan a year before frying itself (giving me quite a scare when smoke started coming out of my steering column). For a while the only symptom was I didn't have a right brake light. Now, I have no turn signals, no brake lights, and no reverse lights. My hazards do work. I have checked and there are no blown fuses.
This leaves me with a choice- go and purchase another $70 switch that is of the same or poorer quality that the replacement switch that already failed, or go ahead with the swap to the tilt column which still has the factory turn signal switch in it.
My question: Can I install a lame get-by fix in place of the proper clamp that goes on the end of the u-joint? Something like a hose clamp? Or do I need the extra holding power a true metal clamp and bolt will provide?
Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.
