Rag Joint Replacement
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Rag Joint Replacement
I was getting ready to start installing the entire steering rack back into the car and I noticed that my rag joint appears to be more worn that I had expected. Its probably 10 years old but has almost no miles on it due to the car being torn apart forever. You can see some wear/damage in the pic. Do you guys think I should replace it? I'm having problems finding decent replacements and would hate to replace a slightly worn but still good rag joint with inferior junk.
I did find this https://www.ebay.com/itm/69-82-Corve...W/251481675934, but again, I don't know how good the quality is.
I did find this https://www.ebay.com/itm/69-82-Corve...W/251481675934, but again, I don't know how good the quality is.
#3
Drifting
Get a replacement kit from one of the Corvette suppliers, rather than from ebay. the rubber in yours is starting to dry rot. You mention the joint has been off the car for a while, but if you install it, the rubber will deteriorate faster and you will need to replace it anyway. I just replaced the joint on my 68 convert and it made a big difference in the steering feel.
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
At this point I think we're going to just have to bite the bullet and buy what's available. If that means changing it more often because it's crappy to start with I guess that's all we can do.
#7
Le Mans Master
I replaced mine in the 90's, buying it from a Chevy dealership nearby....I guess I have to baby that thing for as long as possible.....It looks great today since it probably only has 20,000 miles on it and never sees rain or any inclement weather period. Should last a long time
#8
Instructor
Thread Starter
I found this on Jegs that I think would work for my car, probably be as good as any aftermarket option. It seems to have the correct specs: 3/4"-30 Spline w/ Flat
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/607050/10002/-1
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/607050/10002/-1
#9
Le Mans Master
Member Since: May 2008
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Willcox has teased us with the possibility of then manufacturing these.....call them and encourage them. The more we push, the more they will see a market.
#10
Instructor
Thread Starter
Ok now I'm second guessing myself. Is 3/4"-30 Spline the right size? I'm counting the splines in my old rag joint and I'm counting 17, but maybe they go slightly more than half.
#11
Instructor
I recently had my steering box rebuilt by a CF member. My original joint was shot and the recommendation I got was to get a rebuild kit from Long Island Corvette. It is for a '67 (p/n 18-37G) and I have not done the rebuild yet but might be worth looking into. Good Luck!
#12
Instructor
Thread Starter
I found this on Jegs that I think would work for my car, probably be as good as any aftermarket option. It seems to have the correct specs: 3/4"-30 Spline w/ Flat
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/607050/10002/-1
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/607050/10002/-1
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Hamerdown (10-04-2018)
#14
Team Owner
Pacific Corvette (503) 239-0210 has original rag joints. I just replaced mine on a 71 LT-1.
Steve
Steve
#16
Team Owner