Mk2 escort steering column

[mexetec]

Im struggling to setup my Mk2 escort steering column. It had a mk1 column fitted and usable, but in an attempt to get the stalks and standard stalk surround fitted, as well as a mk2 rs 2000 wheel, i changed the column to a mk2 early short 967mm column. Then the column UJ was too short, so i bought a long gp4 UJ, the column is still 10mm too short. I have another spare column which is the same length.

i have spent ages reading up on the forum, and i think it should all fit, but doesn’t. The answer could be a later mk2 1000mm column but i cant find one at present, either locally or on ebay etc.

i think my two choices are either to swap back to the mk1 column, or perhaps buy a new RIX column. I am advised they are 1000mm has anyone fitted one, and can you fit the stalk shroud. I dont need to use the steering lock or standard switch. Motorsport tools will take back the unused group 4 uj so thats £50 back off it.

it seems much simpler building mk1s as they are all the same. I don’t have much experience with mk2s

Cheers

[alladdin]

may be of no use but i remember fitting either a mk1 in m2 ( this i think) or other way round . i had to machine the shoulder on inner column slightly as it was "thicker for longer" ? so use long mk1 inner in mk2 outer setup......... any help ? think i did it to keep my mex steering wheel in mk2 but was years ago.

[mexetec]

may be of no use but i remember fitting either a mk1 in m2 ( this i think) or other way round . i had to machine the shoulder on inner column slightly as it was "thicker for longer" ? so use long mk1 inner in mk2 outer setup......... any help ? think i did it to keep my mex steering wheel in mk2 but was years ago.

Yes that is some help, it could work to retain the stalks and shroud, and would leave me with the mk1 wheel splines. My pal is looking to see if he has a longer column in his stash, so i have refitted the mk1 column for now. It just went back together fine, i cant believe i went through all this faff to fit a standard column and made it worse……

[alladdin]

also check ebay ( sure you have !) as i remember seeing a std type flex coupling with a longer "neck" recently, looked a good bit longer overall

just looked , i cant see it .......

[fingersnfumbs]

I had the same issue as you discribe on my Mk2.
I used a Mk2 van one a pal had and it fitted perfectly with std UJ. I didnt measure its length though unfortunately.

Someone said its because I had a Mk1 rack fitted.
Cant confirm though as it was a while ago and I cant remember how they differed.

So... probably no help.
Sorry.

[mexetec]

Managed to get a 1m mk2 column from a friend, and it fits. The column mount under the dash seems tighter, so the column sits higher, but i can space it down if it feels uncomfortable. The stalks and shroud have fitted just nice, and the bearing in the new column is better so its not so clunky. Just got to decide what to swap the group 4 long UJ for, if I send it back to motorsport tools. I have two of the cheaper pressed steel ones but not a short cast one. Maybe thats what i need.

Cheers