Can someone measure this for me...
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,080
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From: Exiled Tampa Bay Misfit
Can someone measure this for me...
I recently replaced the rag joint in my '71. The 1/2 on the steering box side is supposed to clamp on the spline with the bolt running in the "groove" in the spindle (correct?) The other 1/2 clamps on the steering column spline. OK, no problems. However it seems that the distance between the two splines is too much. To have the steering column 1/2 grab at least a 1/2" I had to move the steering box side towards the steering wheel and far enough such that the bolt no longer rode in the "groove". If I left the lower 1/2 in the "correct" position then the upper 1/2 barley grabbed any of the spline.
I know it's hard to get an exact measurement without taking the joint apart but can someone get an approximate measurement from the front spline to the back?
Fouthermore, if my distance is indeed too great what could have caused this. No frame damage to move the gearbox. Could the steering spline be wrong somehow? Thanks!
[Modified by Monkeywrench, 4:46 PM 1/3/2002]
I know it's hard to get an exact measurement without taking the joint apart but can someone get an approximate measurement from the front spline to the back?
Fouthermore, if my distance is indeed too great what could have caused this. No frame damage to move the gearbox. Could the steering spline be wrong somehow? Thanks!
[Modified by Monkeywrench, 4:46 PM 1/3/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
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From: Casa Grande AZ
Re: Can someone measure this for me... (Monkeywrench)
I just went out and TRIED to measure mine. Unfortunately, it's really not possible with the unit together. However, I could get some other measurements which may help. The amount of shaft I can see between the steering box (where it comes out) and the joint is about 3/16". I believe it to be in the groove. On the column side, I can see about 7/8" of spline from the top of the joint to where the splines end. Hope that helps!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,080
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From: Exiled Tampa Bay Misfit
Re: Can someone measure this for me... (lbell101)
Yep, mines too far apart. I'm guessing this was caused by the steering column getting "squished" at some point. (What's strange is there is no frame damage at all, all fiberglass is original so no signs of crash) This year had the energy absorbing steering columns so that is likley the cluprit.
So does anyone know if the column is resetable or do I need a new lower column?
So does anyone know if the column is resetable or do I need a new lower column?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,502
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From: Elyria Ohio
Re: Can someone measure this for me... (Monkeywrench)
Monkeywrench
I ran into the same thing during re-assembly. I had replaced my frame. The rag joint did not look like it was going back together right. You will have to spread it. If I remember right the two ends of the shafts are about 2 " apart from each other. It took me about an hour to put mine back together because the whole time it just did not look right. Once I got it all spread out and tightened it was fine.
Hope this helps.
Bob
I ran into the same thing during re-assembly. I had replaced my frame. The rag joint did not look like it was going back together right. You will have to spread it. If I remember right the two ends of the shafts are about 2 " apart from each other. It took me about an hour to put mine back together because the whole time it just did not look right. Once I got it all spread out and tightened it was fine.
Hope this helps.
Bob
