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Rag Joint Replacement

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Old 09-23-2018, 07:00 PM
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dyanisis2
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Default 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.


Old 09-23-2018, 10:20 PM
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maj75
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Replace it.
Old 09-23-2018, 10:51 PM
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ronarndt
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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.
Old 09-24-2018, 10:58 AM
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Hamerdown
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So who makes a QUALITY OE type Rag Joint?
Old 09-24-2018, 06:28 PM
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Capt. Shark
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Originally Posted by Hamerdown
So who makes a QUALITY OE type Rag Joint?
Apparently no one. And NOS parts are becoming almost nonexistent and stupid expensive even if you do find one.
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Old 09-24-2018, 06:39 PM
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dyanisis2
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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.
Old 09-24-2018, 06:44 PM
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jb78L-82
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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
Old 09-24-2018, 07:00 PM
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dyanisis2
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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
Old 09-24-2018, 07:54 PM
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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.
Old 09-24-2018, 08:55 PM
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dyanisis2
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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.
Old 09-24-2018, 09:21 PM
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TM1400
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Originally Posted by dyanisis2
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.
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!
Old 09-30-2018, 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by dyanisis2
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
Just so everyone knows, JEGS changed the advertisement for the above listed rag joint the day after I ordered it. It's actually not compatible for our vehicles, it doesn't have the flat spot in it. Back to the search for a decent replacement.
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Old 10-04-2018, 10:42 PM
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portland68
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Pacific Corvette (503) 239-0210 has original rag joints. I just replaced mine on a 71 LT-1.
Steve
Old 10-05-2018, 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by portland68
Pacific Corvette (503) 239-0210 has original rag joints. I just replaced mine on a 71 LT-1.
Steve
I thought they shut the doors years ago?
Old 10-05-2018, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Capt. Shark
I thought they shut the doors years ago?
Yes Jim closed the doors but operates Pacific Corvette from this home.
Old 10-05-2018, 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by portland68
Yes Jim closed the doors but operates Pacific Corvette from this home.
Didn't know that. I'll call him. Thanks.

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