Escort MK1 MK2 steering columns

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 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?

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!

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

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 .

Same, I used to watch as many UK shows as I could in the 80s shows like Minder, Cats Eyes , The Professionals , The Sweeney, Vandervalk ( he drove a Mk4 Cortina convertible) ,etc etc . Sorry the pic doesn't nudge a braincell just yet..

reviving an old thread, I was in the garage yesterday and needed some instant gratification as you do, and decided i was sick of looking at the tatty OEM steering wheel the van came with and why not upgrade it so it feels like some progress was being made.
I had a 3 spoke wheel and Sass boss  which came from Len I think, but my column must be different as the boss was too tight to fit on.
The Saas  BK16 boss was a 75-82 by the sounds, and not for the 1970- 75 which I must have, despite being a 77?
I guess there no reason to expect any Escort has what it should have by now component wise, but it would be nice to score a win once in a while just the same.

4 thread, that's not enough... Should be at least 6 !! Really tho there should be about 1in of threads going in the tie rod end as minimum, and your car has had an alignment. There are different brands of rod end and some have longer threads .
Things like lowering, an anti dive kit with alter the swaybar angle which takes threads up to get straight, but not that much..
Has the XM been redrilled to locate the lower arms outwards.. There's plenty of things to look at. I'd be measuring the length of the steering rack without rod ends first, then we can check with ours if it's the same/close. Are the struts bent , is the car bent ??