Indexing Steering Wheel

Dumb me, I pulled the steering column without marking the alignment of the connector (replacing ignition switch and had to move the steering off center to get to the clamp at the spine connection). I assume if I don't get this back right, the turn signal cancellation cam will not work as it should. I also assume that the splined connection is not keyed so that it only goes back one way. My thought is to jack up the front end and return the wheels to straight ahead, lower it back to the ground and then make the steering shaft connection with the steering wheel properly aligned. Is this correct or is there a better way?

 

Take it for a short slow drive with the wheel on loosely, so it can be removed again easily. Not so loose you will not have control

Mark the straight up location while it is going straight down the road. A piece of masking tape will do nicely.

When you get back home, set the tape mark to the top, remove the wheel, and reinstall it centered.

Done.

 

I have to check if the steering column shaft is keyed. If not, you can pull the steering shaft and wheel out of the column and turn it. That would be easier than removing the wheel.

 

Is this a 75 and older Cj with stock column, modified, or a '76 and newer? Knowing what you're working with is helpful. If it has a Saginaw column you may not be able to move the wheel as many of them have a master spline.
I'd center the steering box first then center the steering column and see if they can be hooked up to center everything.

 

Sorry nicmil, didn't realize I didn't have a signature on this forum. All, I have the steering column out and intend to align the wheel as I stab it in. I didn't think I could shift just the steering wheel itself. I thought it was keyed to the shaft.