Jim Shea - Yet another rag joint question.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,381
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From: Virginia USA
Jim Shea - Yet another rag joint question.
Jim,
I've read your paper and also the AIM procedure on aligning the shaft to the gearbox I have a simple question.
In the AIM's mandatory installation sequence (1971 AIM) in step 2 is says to loosely assemble support (U) to the bracket (T). After this it says to install the column in the car. My question is if the support (U) was never removed or loosen is it safe to say the column is aligned properly? It appears to me that this is the main "adjustment ****" for alignment to the gearbox. I have test fitted everything finger tight and it looks to be very well aligned. I know when I go to install the column permanently I should check it out better since I should take into account the body mounts that have settled over the 30+ years. BTW I am installing a new GM rag joint.
Thanks
John
I've read your paper and also the AIM procedure on aligning the shaft to the gearbox I have a simple question.
In the AIM's mandatory installation sequence (1971 AIM) in step 2 is says to loosely assemble support (U) to the bracket (T). After this it says to install the column in the car. My question is if the support (U) was never removed or loosen is it safe to say the column is aligned properly? It appears to me that this is the main "adjustment ****" for alignment to the gearbox. I have test fitted everything finger tight and it looks to be very well aligned. I know when I go to install the column permanently I should check it out better since I should take into account the body mounts that have settled over the 30+ years. BTW I am installing a new GM rag joint.
Thanks
John
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
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From: charlotte north carolina
when i installed my column, i trial fit it without the rag joint. it's easy to visually check for vertical and horizontal alignment, and also spin the wheel to make sure the shafts remain in line. once it looks ok, tighten the bracket, remove the column and finish this wonderful job. then go have a few beers-you'll need them!
jeff
jeff
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
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From: Saginaw Michigan
The real proof is if the stop pins on the flexible coupling are central in the cutout slots on the column flange. Check them in one position, rotate the steering wheel one quarter turn and check the clearances again. If the stop pins are central you are aligned correctly.
I would think that adjusting Support U and Bracket T will have more to do with aligning your column so that it is central in the instrument cluster opening. There is no reason to expect that the alignment to the instrument cluster changes with a column installation.
Now if you have to move Bracket T you may affect the alignment to the steering gear.
Jim
I would think that adjusting Support U and Bracket T will have more to do with aligning your column so that it is central in the instrument cluster opening. There is no reason to expect that the alignment to the instrument cluster changes with a column installation.
Now if you have to move Bracket T you may affect the alignment to the steering gear.
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Feb 13, 2008 at 06:36 AM.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,381
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Thanks Jim,
Like I said I am using your paper to replace it I just wanted to be sure and do it correctly after looking at the AIM is where my question came up. I'll check the pins as soon as I get it together.
Thanks to all.
John
Like I said I am using your paper to replace it I just wanted to be sure and do it correctly after looking at the AIM is where my question came up. I'll check the pins as soon as I get it together.
Thanks to all.
John
