Hello guys and gals!

new user here also my first post. Just wants to thank everyone in advance.

so a little on the truck. It’s a 2000 ram 1500 4x4 5.9 with a 5 or 6” lift on 37s. Bought it from a police impound and it was Mickey Moused by the previous owner.

the problem im having is I had to replace the gearbox and steering column as they both were shot and so I pulled them both out of an identical truck same year model and submodel.

well after installing the new parts I cannot get the steering shaft to reach up all the way to join the steering column arm.

I measured both the old and new parts and they are 100% identical. I’m stumped as this is my first attempt at doing this particular job.

I look forward to any input!

 

Under the dash right where the steering column mounts to it there are 4/2 nuts(don't remember exactly). loosen the nuts and you can move the column up or down a bit.

 

Used steering shafts sit in the same place for years so they become difficult to slide. Work it on the bench and don't be afraid to lube it if necessary. Once installed wipe away any exposed grease because it'll just attract dirt.

You can also anchor one end and tap the other end to extend it, if you can find room to swing a hammer/rubber mallet in the engine bay

 

I appreciate your input. It ended up being the shaft itself being meant for the 2wd model making it 1.5” shorter than the other shaft.

I got it all sorted!