The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop question on 54 steering column re-install

i did a few searches but didn't come with the answer i need. I pulled the steering column off my 54 3100 to shorten it. i knocked 5" off it and went to install it back in and that's when my troubles began. what i basically need to know is where to position the part circled in this pic:

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o235/marcelo54/51ctsm0907.jpg

when i'm putting the column back in the box. i tried it at the bottom, middle and finally the very top which is where it's at now and i have over one full turn of slack on the steering, not very safe to say the least. (every time i tried to install it i made sure the wheels were straight forward) i have not tried adjusting the box since i think i just don't have it installed right, and i don't think the adjustment will take one full turn of slack off.

before shortening the column i already had some slack about 1/4 turn each way but no where near as much as now

i have a manual for the truck and already looked up the column/box section but was more confused than before.

by the way ball joints and all the other steering components are basically new and not worn or a possible cause of the problem.

It looks like you are referring to the ball nut?
Part 16 in this diagram (part 19 in the diagram you posted)?

Did you have to go through the procedure Assembly of the Steering Gear ? Did you do this on the bench or on the truck?

I have only done this once (about 8 years ago) and I do not look forward to doing this again.

I have never shortened a steering column, so I have no idea what is entailed in that operation. Maybe someone with more experience will post better questions and some advice.

no i didnt actually take anything apart it all moves freely and seems in good shape so i left it alone

here is my column

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o235/marcelo54/DSC_0181.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o235/marcelo54/DSC_0182.jpg

and since you linked a better pic of the part i was talking about i circled it in red here

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o235/marcelo54/54ctsm0909.jpg

what i need to know is when i'm dropping the whole thing back into the box do i leave that block part on top of the shaft middle or bottom? being that the wheels are pointed straight forward and the pitman arm is pointing at the ground

I'd put the assembled ball nut in the middle.