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Smaller rag joints?

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Old May 28, 2002 | 07:48 PM
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Default Smaller rag joints?

I just got my 74, and am still trying to figure out all the things I need to fix up on it. I almost wrecked it in finding out one such problem - the steering sometimes locks at WOT. I looked under the hood, and saw the headers are right next to the rag joint/steering coupler, and are dented at just that point (the coupler is a little mangled as well). Apparently the engine shifts in its mounts too much when putting out a lot of torque, and keeps the steering column from rotating. How should I fix this. Are there smaller diameter rag joints, or should I just hammer in that part of the header (I really don't want to do that, but...).
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Old May 28, 2002 | 10:45 PM
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Default Re: Smaller rag joints? (aharte)

What brand of headers do you have? You'll probably have to dent them slightly. How close are they normally to your joint?
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Old May 28, 2002 | 11:06 PM
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Default Re: Smaller rag joints? (aharte)

:eek: Wow! That cant be fun!

Something is not right there!!! I have never seen smaller rag joints... are the headers for a corvette??? or maybe some other chevy?
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Old May 29, 2002 | 12:38 AM
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Default Re: Smaller rag joints? (aharte)

:eek: Take a pic if you can and post it with details on your engine setup. That does not sound like something that should happen at all!
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Old May 29, 2002 | 01:53 AM
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Default Re: Smaller rag joints? (Racer16k)

I have Hooker headers. I don't know if they're for a corvette or not. They don't look out of place, but then I'm new to this. The guy I bought the car from doesn't know anything about it. He just gave me the number to the person who owned it before (he built it for autocrossing), so I'll find out.

There are a lot of aftermarket parts in the car, but as far as I know, its mostly suspension stuff. I may be wrong.

The headers are probably ~1/4-1/2 inch away from the coupler rest. I'm currently away from my car (for about a week), so I can't post a pic.
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Old May 29, 2002 | 01:59 AM
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Default Re: Smaller rag joints? (aharte)

I had the same problem with my sidepipe's hedders, and I had to heat them up in order to bend them, but then I have an LT-5 stuffed in my car.
Paul
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Old May 29, 2002 | 03:32 PM
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Default Re: Smaller rag joints? (aharte)

Just a suggestion but I would have the motor mounts checked.
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Old May 29, 2002 | 04:10 PM
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Default Re: Smaller rag joints? (aharte)

Well no matter what, whether they are for a Corvette or not, You don't want them that close to the rag joint. The rag joint is made out of rubber and metal. If you keep burning the rubber it's going to give out on you sooner or later at which point you won't have any steering. The headers should be at least three to four inches away to be safe. Maybe they not for a corvette?
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Old May 29, 2002 | 04:17 PM
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Default Re: Smaller rag joints? (killain)

First check the motor mount, I bet it's moving

Second they make U'joints for Hotrod steering that would be a whole lot smaller, Gene ( MRVette) has used them, look at the old Rack and Pinion posts...
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