Gents,
I recently went to reinstall my steering column after some dash refurbishing. Standard Column. Also because the way it was installed the last time, it was flexing my rag joint away from the steering gear input shaft. After seeing many photos of the corvette rag joints properly installed and flat, I realized that my column shaft was still too short.

Now, I went through this the last time I went to reinstall the column a couple years ago. The gap between the input shaft and the column was right at 1.5 inches. I had measured from the end of the shaft to the lower bearing face and it was 4.5 inches, which is supposed to be correct for a standard column. The same it still true now.

I'm pretty sure I have been through every piece of Jim Shea's documentation and am still wondering what might be the problem.
I don't think my column has collapsed because I still have the correct length of 4.5 inches. What I have noticed is that when the plate that bolts through the firewall is completely against the firewall, the column is forced as far forward as it can be, that support with the slotted aluminum pieces barely clears the inside edge of the lower dash. Its almost like the flange that bolts to the firewall has shifted towards the front of the shaft, keeping the entire column from sliding forward enough to fit.

Any ideas?

Scott



4 1/2 inches





11 5/8 inches





11 3/4 inches

 

the flange does look like it is bent forward on the one side, maybe it is just the picture, have you tried to have some one hold it in place to see how far away from the rag joint it is

 

BBY, the left side of the flange does look like it is not absolutely straight. I read that those pieces are actually welded onto the column housing. I thought there may be a possibility that it had moved. I have been very careful with it though while it has been out of the car. When the column is pushed all the way in there is a little more the 1.5 inch gap between shafts.

 

Alan, 1.5 inches between shafts according to what I have read is too far. Ideally 1 inch, max 1.3 inches. is what it should be. At 1.5, I can still get the coupler to the rag joint, its just that i have to slide the coupler flange all the way out to the end of the shaft, put the bolts through the rag joint and draw it up tight. Then it gives the rag joint a wavy appearance. And then because the rear support bracket for the column barely clears the inside of the lower dash (like its not sliding in far enough) makes me wonder about that flange that bolts to the firewall has slipped.

 

What is the possibility that the flange that mounts to the firewall has slipped?

 

Here is a non-tilt I just removed from my 75. The measurements are a little different, but it will give you something to compare to. Dave

 

Hi SM,
What is the relationship of the reverse lockout lever on the column relative to the firewall plate (compartment side)?
Won't that tell you if the column is in the right place?
Regards,
Alan

Do you have the correct rag joint?

 

Alan,
The spacing between the firewall plate and the lockout lever seems legit. I believe the rag joint is also correct. It may be original to the car.

So I have determined that the column has not collapsed because I get the 4.5in measurement from the lower bearing facing to the end of the shaft.

I think the critical measurement may be the one from the firewall plate to the end of the shaft. I get 7in even on that measurement. When measuring from the interior side surface of the firewall to the end of the input shaft I get 8.25in. Subtract the 7in for the distance between the firewall plate and the end of the shaft and that should leave 1.25in between shafts which, according to Jim's documents, is just within tolerance.

Being such a critical part, I really am trying to give it the best chance not to fail. I would love for it to be as nice and flat as yours, Alan.

 

Hi SM,
I just remeasured as carefully as I can with the rag joint in place and I'm seeing 4-1/2" from the jacket to the end of the shaft.
This leaves a gap of about 1-7/16" between the shaft on the column and the shaft on the steering box.
Even with that much space it's a challenge to get each part of the rag joint installed…..have to slide one part AS FAR onto the shaft as possible in order to get the other part started on IT'S shaft
Regards,
Alan

 

You may also put the collar on the column before hand. It will fit through the firewall hole. Then slide it back down to the other piece of the rag joint. Just completed that process on my 69.
RVZIO

 

I believe you could move the body forward about 1 inch on the frame. Just loosen up all the mounts and slide forward. Easy!!

Wait, is today April 1??