Steering Coupler
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Steering Coupler
The rag joint that connects the steering shaft to the gearbox in my '76 2wd is completely useless! I have a ton of play in my steering and I bought one of those "HELP!" universal couplers the other day to fix it.
I removed the two bolts on the joint, took of the plate inside the dash to access the bolt that hold the steering column to the dash and loosened those bolts, but I can't get the steering column or shaft to move away from the coupler - what do I need to do, pull the stering wheel?
Is there an easier way to go about this?
Thanks!
JF
I removed the two bolts on the joint, took of the plate inside the dash to access the bolt that hold the steering column to the dash and loosened those bolts, but I can't get the steering column or shaft to move away from the coupler - what do I need to do, pull the stering wheel?
Is there an easier way to go about this?
Thanks!
JF
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From: Williamson, NY
Two of those studs will need to be cut off before you can use the replacement kit, so just cut them off where they are using a recipicating saw or die grinder. I have the front clip off of mine and needed to change the original rag-joint on my 77 truck, since it was falling apart (Plastic coupler). I actually unbolted the steering box to remove mine, but I'm sure that is not an option for you. Good luck.
Jim
Jim
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On mine there's two bolts and 2 studs. I removed the nuts from bolts, which appeared to be the only fasteners between the couplers. I was looking for another something that held the column from moving backwards away from the steering box.
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From: Williamson, NY
On my 77 steering coupler there was only one 12 point bolt that clamps the coupler to the input shaft of the steering box. The upper flange/steering-wheel shaft is all one piece. Unless you can move the steering shaft back or the power steering box forward, you will need to cut two studs off of the coupler to remove it from the truck. I don't know what is involved with moving the steering shaft back, but in order to install your rag-joint kit you're going to have to cut those studs anyway. Let us know what you end up doing. Thanks.
Jim
Jim
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The column will move back. That's how I RRed my coupler. You have to remove the trim plate under the colum on the dash and loosen a couple of bolts. I can't remember if there are any bolts on the firewall to remove. Loosen the clamp bolt on the coupler and the column will then move up enough to clear the coupler.
Cujo8, did you replace those studs you cut off with anything?
Cujo8, did you replace those studs you cut off with anything?
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From: Williamson, NY
Originally Posted by 76supercab2
Cujo8, did you replace those studs you cut off with anything?
Jim
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This is for 4x4 but the 4x2 steering coupler bolt is the same.
You have to remove this bolt (in red circle) to loosen the steering shaft.
It requires a 12mm (7/16") 12 point socket
You have to remove this bolt (in red circle) to loosen the steering shaft.
It requires a 12mm (7/16") 12 point socket
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I finallt got the column to move, without pulling the steering wheel. There's a clamp on on the engine side of the firewall that holds it in place in addition to the interior bolts that hold it against the dash.
I ended up buying the smaller coupler, and it had the right hardware but the actualy coupler disk was too small for my truck. So I went back and got the larger universal replacement and it had some weird hardware packaged with it.
I only got one threaded stud to replace the two I had to grind off, and I didn't get any replacement bolts for the other two fasteners! Argh!
Guess I'll try to run down to the hardware store tomorrow...
Thanks!
JF
I ended up buying the smaller coupler, and it had the right hardware but the actualy coupler disk was too small for my truck. So I went back and got the larger universal replacement and it had some weird hardware packaged with it.
I only got one threaded stud to replace the two I had to grind off, and I didn't get any replacement bolts for the other two fasteners! Argh!
Guess I'll try to run down to the hardware store tomorrow...
Thanks!
JF
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Oh yes, what a difference! Why the guy who owned the truck before drove it for 10 years in that condition is beyond me!
Thanks for the cautionary advice - I knew from looking at the setup that it was crucial to install those studs. I ended up having to fab a custom one from some parts at the hardware store and it works perfectly.
Thanks for your help guys.
JF
Thanks for the cautionary advice - I knew from looking at the setup that it was crucial to install those studs. I ended up having to fab a custom one from some parts at the hardware store and it works perfectly.
Thanks for your help guys.
JF
