Rag Coupling Shouldered Bolts.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: plymouth mass
Rag Coupling Shouldered Bolts.
A few years ago I rebuilt my steering box and installed a new rag coupling. I have only recently read Jim Sheas's papers on the subject. Now I have discovered that the bolts that hold the two flanges together are not shouldered bolts as the OEM coupling had. The rest of the coupling seems orientated OK. The original coupling is long gone. My question is: are these shouldered bolts available anywhere? Can these bolts be found in any other GM application (junk yard)?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
The special shoulder bolts are not available through GM and I doubt that they are available elsewhere. However, every GM flex coupling since 1970 has these two shoulder bolts. I would expect that you could find one at a salvage yard. Corrosion on the threads would probably be the biggest problem with salvage yard parts. There are two little round keepers that prevent the shoulder bolts from falling out during shipping from the factory. You really don't need them.
One other consideration. Your rubber disc has been "mashed" in position for a couple years now. The disc may already have taken a set where it is now less than 3/8 of an inch thick. The special shoulder bolts have shoulders that are 3/8 inch long. They may not even squeeze your current rubber disc. That could result in loose steering because the rubber won't really be trapped and carrying much of the steering load. It might be time for a new rubber disc as well.
Jim
One other consideration. Your rubber disc has been "mashed" in position for a couple years now. The disc may already have taken a set where it is now less than 3/8 of an inch thick. The special shoulder bolts have shoulders that are 3/8 inch long. They may not even squeeze your current rubber disc. That could result in loose steering because the rubber won't really be trapped and carrying much of the steering load. It might be time for a new rubber disc as well.
Jim
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 713
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From: plymouth mass
The special shoulder bolts are not available through GM and I doubt that they are available elsewhere. However, every GM flex coupling since 1970 has these two shoulder bolts. I would expect that you could find one at a salvage yard. Corrosion on the threads would probably be the biggest problem with salvage yard parts. There are two little round keepers that prevent the shoulder bolts from falling out during shipping from the factory. You really don't need them.
One other consideration. Your rubber disc has been "mashed" in position for a couple years now. The disc may already have taken a set where it is now less than 3/8 of an inch thick. The special shoulder bolts have shoulders that are 3/8 inch long. They may not even squeeze your current rubber disc. That could result in loose steering because the rubber won't really be trapped and carrying much of the steering load. It might be time for a new rubber disc as well.
Jim
One other consideration. Your rubber disc has been "mashed" in position for a couple years now. The disc may already have taken a set where it is now less than 3/8 of an inch thick. The special shoulder bolts have shoulders that are 3/8 inch long. They may not even squeeze your current rubber disc. That could result in loose steering because the rubber won't really be trapped and carrying much of the steering load. It might be time for a new rubber disc as well.
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
That has been the problem. Most "help" kits do NOT include shoulder type bolts. I am not even sure if the overseas manufactured full flex coupling assemblies have shoulder bolts. I certainly hope so.
I have written to over a half dozen suppliers with my concerns about lack of shoulder bolts (and about gear flanges being machined backwards). A very few responded that they were checking the situation. No body has responded that the problem has been corrected.
Jim
I have written to over a half dozen suppliers with my concerns about lack of shoulder bolts (and about gear flanges being machined backwards). A very few responded that they were checking the situation. No body has responded that the problem has been corrected.
Jim
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
That has been the problem. Most "help" kits do NOT include shoulder type bolts. I am not even sure if the overseas manufactured full flex coupling assemblies have shoulder bolts. I certainly hope so.
I have written to over a half dozen suppliers with my concerns about lack of shoulder bolts (and about gear flanges being machined backwards). A very few responded that they were checking the situation. No body has responded that the problem has been corrected.
Jim
I have written to over a half dozen suppliers with my concerns about lack of shoulder bolts (and about gear flanges being machined backwards). A very few responded that they were checking the situation. No body has responded that the problem has been corrected.
Jim
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 713
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From: plymouth mass
I found some shouldered bolts on another Corvette steering box I had. The coupling itself is junk, but the bolts seem useable. If the used bolts don't work out I think I will be investing in a new GM coupling. Probably from GM parts direct.
