Extra parts and I haven't even disassembled it!

[Crossposting from Facebook]

Got a steering column question for y'all:

My '78 Gremlin has a column shifter, non-tilt column. I noticed a while back that there is a loose clamp/pinch pin assembly that's sliding around on the intermediate shaft. I finally looked into it last night to see where it should be fixed, but the service manual really didn't help.

See, the TSM shows this clamp on the floor-shift and tilt columns, but it isn't present in the diagram for my column. Frankly, I have no clue why it's on my column. Can anyone help shed some light on what's happening here?

I've attached some pictures -- first is my column. You can see the clamp I'm talking about down at the end near the rag joint. The second one is the diagram of my column (note the lack of clamp). Last is the diagram for a tilt column. In the lower right corner of that diagram, you'll see the clamp being presented.

I don't believe the clamp should be fixed where it currently rests, since the shaft segments have a significantly different diameter. The only place I can figure it would go is up by the retainer? Even then, it doesn't appear as though it would be performing any actual function. . . I'm stumped!

My column:


The diagram for my column (no clamp!):


Diagram of tilt column for comparison:


[EDIT] You may notice the missing linkage and other things that would appear to indicate that the column has been fiddled with. To clarify: I've not messed with the column, though several years ago someone helped me with swapping out the steering gear box. The smaller clamp for the other side of the joint is in place as it should be, and I didn't find any information to show another clamp would be involved between it and the gear.

Edited by knobbler - Oct/17/2018 at 7:33pm

I would've replied with my picture earlier but my column is a pre 70's column. Was not sure if the collar was for the intermediate on large body only, during the 70s.

So anywho... The collar is installed similar to mine, just my column is modified.

From my experience the clamp goes up the top near the bearing retainer, usually there is a plastic collar between it and the bearing retainer. I believe it's purpose is probably to help ensure that the column collapses as intended.