Hi Knowledgeable folk.
 
We know that MK1 steering column spline (& spline diameter) is different than the MK2.
My questions are;
 
1. did this change in 1975 at the body shape change time, or 1977 when the true MK2 started?
 
2. besides at the steering wheel end, did the spline change at the steering rack uni coupling?
 
3. are the steering columns interchangeable ie length, fitment through fire wall etc?
 
Thanks in advance.
Mark

Hi Mark
I've pulled so many Escorts to bits over 35yrs and the equation is ..
All mk1 escort is the same, with the small spline.
Mk2 Escort came on the scene in mid 75 and converted to metric with bolts etc. The column is mk1 length but mk2 spline up until mid 77 where it went a couple inches longer , telltale of this is the flex coupling has a longer end on the short column.
The actual column bar should fit mk1 if it's the short one but the outer tube won't. I have never done the swap as I cut the steering wheel boss and replace with the other to suit which I reckon is a easier solution

Hi Marty, I thumbed you mate. Thanks for the explanation.
I have two steering rack couplings and one is rag the other rubber. They are identical in length. Thoughts?
 
On another tangent I have had issues before with getting the correct coupling length and maybe its this variation in shaft lengths etc that is the cause?

Thanks mate👍
Early mk1 Escort was the rag type, later mk2 was a rubber pad, at a slightly longer length of maybe 10mm, nothing to cause grief over. And yes that would've been your cause of the coupling didn't reach or was bottoming out not allowing the rack to mount up... I've been there many times..

If anyone is interested. I actually measured this time Marty!
The MK1 rag coupling comes in at ~84mm. The MK2 rubber coupling is ~94mm
The MK1 steering column rod length is exactly 1000mm
 
I have had the issue of coupling lengths when fitting the GRP4 universal type. There seems to be a few. I assume that is to account for the variable steering column rod length and the length of the shaft out of the steering rack?
 
Should do an Escort & Capri trivia night for those of us who don't have a life at the moment!

Steering rack shaft length is the same through all escort models, except Lotus TwinCam, they had a long shaft to clear the starter motor.
I think when you squash the mk2 flex coupling so the rubber isolator is flat ( this is how it should be installed) it will be closer to the mk1 hight . Never really had probs with grp4 couplings, tho in the early 90s they didn't make the extended type for 75-77 , so I couldn't use one as my car is a 76 coup, owned it since 1996 , it still doesn't have one lol !!

Edito,
Forgot to answer 1 question... All splines at the rack end are the same . Mk2 have metric track rods and can be swapped for mk1 if needed or vice versa if doing a Capri strut swap and rack rebuild..

Marty,
Found a MK2 steering column assembly in my stash and pulled it apart the other day.
It had the caged ball bearing top, and plastic bush bottom.
Do you know if I can replace the top ball bearing assembly with a plastic bush, which appears to be the only thing available these days?
Thanks,
Mark

Re Classic Ford Trivia night: I seriously do not know you you guys a). know all this stuff, and b). more importantly, can remember it all.
 
If there is a trivia night, I bags Marty, Drew, Mark, John, Bernie, Terry.. on my table.
 
I was thinking of having to print out all of the threads for future reference.
why dont you guys write a book.?
Maybe a mega refernce thread, of one paragraph pointers?

Hey Mark
After some Google thought I suppose it'll be fine to run a plastic bush, just load it with lithium grease and it should last a long time, remember to fit the collar at the top of the column to stop the steering wheel rattling. While the column rod is out, think about welding the notch up so there's no steering lock , as it can accidently be activated on rough roads , just letting you know..

Deano , Classic Ford Trivia Night could be interesting. Some of us are car specific, with remembering what goes where and how.
I think after working with these cars since being a pre-teenager and manufacturer/selling motorsport components for about 15yrs, also being a mechanic , things get burnt into the braincells after about 40yrs active Escortosis (I'm 51 now) ! I still blame my brother, he owned a Lotus Escort when I was 9yrs old and have been hooked ever since.
Don't get me wrong, I still check up on torque setting on engine internals etc .

Good stuff, thanks Marty,
Will go that way. This car won't have an ignition barrel but I never really thought of welding over the steering lock hole. They were and remain a total pain in the arse. They came in in the early 70's and given the nature of those ignition barrels!
My love of Escorts and Capris came from a British tv series from the 80's of which I have the box set of DVD's (see attached pic for clue). I've got 4 years on you Marty so you may know?