68 steering column to rag alignment
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 767
Likes: 74
From: Blaine MN
68 steering column to rag alignment
I had about 3/8" mis-aiignment between my steering column shaft and gear box shaft (it's been bubba'ized in the past based on hardware holding the main plate under dash). The original rag was torn at the bolt holes, no lube in box etc. so I rebuilt, installed it and new rag, that's when I noticed the problem.
It seems like I've corrected the major left/right (concentric) portion but it seems to be off at an angle (steering wheel too high), shaft faces not parallel.
I've read the Jim Shea papers regarding the main mounting plate, but it seems that only covers left/right orientation.
Has anyone had to shim the plate to get the stop pin protrusion even as you rotate the wheel? (based on the J.S info I think the face of the two shafts should be nearly parallel as well as concentric).
It seems like I've corrected the major left/right (concentric) portion but it seems to be off at an angle (steering wheel too high), shaft faces not parallel.
I've read the Jim Shea papers regarding the main mounting plate, but it seems that only covers left/right orientation.
Has anyone had to shim the plate to get the stop pin protrusion even as you rotate the wheel? (based on the J.S info I think the face of the two shafts should be nearly parallel as well as concentric).
Last edited by suprspooky; Jul 24, 2019 at 12:41 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,176
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From: perth western australia
Sounds like you already know but the main mounting plate is slotted for and aft. and with the small angle on it so it would drop or lift that end a bit .
Last edited by bazza77; Jul 24, 2019 at 05:52 AM.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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loosen the shaft at the front of the dash closest to the driver then check the clamps at the fire wall. My firewall had left and right and a bit of up and down movement. If yo lower he wheel the other end will go up.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 767
Likes: 74
From: Blaine MN
Update, loosening everything under dash allowed the Column to more or less self-center (some persuading needed, but not too bad). The plate that attaches lower Column through Firewall is slotted for up/down and Firewall slotted for left/right (couldn't see up/down slots due to caulk/crud). Once those two bolts were backed way out, I was able to get the Joint/Shaft centered properly.
Thanks for feedback, now I need to locate a new upper Flange. The old rubber was so shot due to the misalignment, the Flange Slots are now quite worn.
Thanks for feedback, now I need to locate a new upper Flange. The old rubber was so shot due to the misalignment, the Flange Slots are now quite worn.
