Steering Coupler Replacement
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
Steering Coupler Replacement
I need to replace my steering coupler on my 80. Does anybody know where I can get a GM replacement or an OEM spec replacement? I know some of the aftermarket types may use a rubber insulator that does not have the 7 plies that the original GM coupler had. Plus, they might use bolts instead of the shoulder studs.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
I need to replace my steering coupler on my 80. Does anybody know where I can get a GM replacement or an OEM spec replacement? I know some of the aftermarket types may use a rubber insulator that does not have the 7 plies that the original GM coupler had. Plus, they might use bolts instead of the shoulder studs.
http://www.google.com/products?q=gm+...tte&hl=en&aq=f
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
No problems at all. My steering is a completely stock 74.
Zero deflection
Zero play
Zero maintenance
The install was pretty straightforward. I dropped the steering box to get the old rag joint off and put the new one on. Mark the shafts to make sure you get the wheel straight. Other than that its about the same as putting on a rag joint. I've had it on for years now with no problems at all.
Zero deflection
Zero play
Zero maintenance
The install was pretty straightforward. I dropped the steering box to get the old rag joint off and put the new one on. Mark the shafts to make sure you get the wheel straight. Other than that its about the same as putting on a rag joint. I've had it on for years now with no problems at all.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
No problems at all. My steering is a completely stock 74.
Zero deflection
Zero play
Zero maintenance
The install was pretty straightforward. I dropped the steering box to get the old rag joint off and put the new one on. Mark the shafts to make sure you get the wheel straight. Other than that its about the same as putting on a rag joint. I've had it on for years now with no problems at all.
Zero deflection
Zero play
Zero maintenance
The install was pretty straightforward. I dropped the steering box to get the old rag joint off and put the new one on. Mark the shafts to make sure you get the wheel straight. Other than that its about the same as putting on a rag joint. I've had it on for years now with no problems at all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
None. It's one of the best mods I've done on my car. Easy, fast, and you don't have to do it again, ever.
Honestly, I hesitate to post this fix because I get a lot of flack about it. A lot of people will tell you that the rag joint makes up for misalignment and flex and shields from harshness and the u-joint is just gonna make your car turn puke green and blow up.
To this I ask why do all new cars come with u-joints. And if flex and deflection are problems how do our independant rears last for 30+ years with 4 (the horror
) u-joints, not to mention the two in the driveshaft? (I know, not a good analogy, but I just got done dinner and I have heartburn. LOL )
All I'll say is I made this swap after going through at least 3 rag joints and always ending up with steering that felt like it was connected by a rubber band. With the u-joint, if you move your steering wheel 1/4 inch, the wheels move the same amount. I have absolutely no deflection whatsoever in my steering.
I just looked back at the pics in the gallery and they were posted in April of 2005. Since then I haven't worried about my steering.
Honestly, I hesitate to post this fix because I get a lot of flack about it. A lot of people will tell you that the rag joint makes up for misalignment and flex and shields from harshness and the u-joint is just gonna make your car turn puke green and blow up.
To this I ask why do all new cars come with u-joints. And if flex and deflection are problems how do our independant rears last for 30+ years with 4 (the horror
) u-joints, not to mention the two in the driveshaft? (I know, not a good analogy, but I just got done dinner and I have heartburn. LOL )All I'll say is I made this swap after going through at least 3 rag joints and always ending up with steering that felt like it was connected by a rubber band. With the u-joint, if you move your steering wheel 1/4 inch, the wheels move the same amount. I have absolutely no deflection whatsoever in my steering.
I just looked back at the pics in the gallery and they were posted in April of 2005. Since then I haven't worried about my steering.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
One other thing, after you install the joint, adjust your steering box to tighten things up. You'll be amazed at the difference.