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Old Mar 3, 2012 | 07:17 PM
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Default Steering box

Just installed a rebuilt steering box and now the rag joint is too short. Boxes both have the correct casting numbers, a no brainer 3 bolt attachment. Any suggestions?
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Old Mar 3, 2012 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by FrankBush
Just installed a rebuilt steering box and now the rag joint is too short. Boxes both have the correct casting numbers, a no brainer 3 bolt attachment. Any suggestions?
Never heard of this problem. There is got to be something else wrong. The rag joint slides along the shaft to the box. Have you tried WD-40 it and taping the rag joint in the direction you need?
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Old Mar 3, 2012 | 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by FrankBush
Just installed a rebuilt steering box and now the rag joint is too short. Boxes both have the correct casting numbers, a no brainer 3 bolt attachment. Any suggestions?

Did you accidentally collapse the steering column? It's designed to be collapsible as a safety feature and it is commonly collapsed by accident during the installation process you're describing.
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Old Mar 3, 2012 | 08:50 PM
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Default No Brainer!

Originally Posted by Mark Riles
Did you accidentally collapse the steering column? It's designed to be collapsible as a safety feature and it is commonly collapsed by accident during the installation process you're describing.
I agree!
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Old Mar 4, 2012 | 09:00 AM
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Default steering box

Thanks. Can I pull it back out?
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Old Mar 4, 2012 | 09:13 AM
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Frank,
What year Corvette? Standard (non-adjustable) or tilt & telescoping?

I can supply you with the length of steering shaft that should be sticking out from the lower steering column bearing. You will need to pull it out to the original length. This is a common problem with the collapsible, energy absorbing steering columns. (Starting in 1967 and later columns.)

BTW, for some reason it is a lot harder to pull back out than it was to compress it into the steering column. Also, you don't want to hammer on the steering shaft and flange to get it back out. Hammering on the shaft is very tough on the steering column bearings. You want to pry on the flange and shaft or a constant pull on the parts to get them back out.
Jim
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Old Mar 4, 2012 | 09:49 AM
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Default Steering Box

71 with Tilt/telescoping. Thanks
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Old Mar 4, 2012 | 09:57 AM
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Default Steering Box

71 with Tilt/telescoping. Thanks
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