69 Rag Joint Alignment
I apologize up front for this long post. Please bear with me.
In a previous post I asked for suggestions for installing the rag joint. I did get it installed, but now have questions about its alignment. Because the gear box was rebuilt and a new rag joint purchased, there are no alignment markings in that area. I positioned the slot in the flange to center over the steering shaft flat. With the pitman arm installed and aligned with its related markings, I positioned everything as best as I can tell to have the wheels straight ahead. Currently the wheels and all steering linkage are off the car. I've planned all along to get a professional front end alignment when the car is road ready.
One photo below shows my first attempt at alignment. You can see that the coupling bolts are not perfectly perpendicular into the flange. Additionally the top coupling post isn't centered over the flange slot. The steering column has never been removed, so that shouldn't be a factor. Because the gear box has to be completely unbolted from the frame to reposition the rag coupling, I'm hoping someone can suggest what I need to do to correct the alignment with a minimum of trial and error. I wonder if I rotate the coupling one or two splines (as indicated in the photo) if that will correct my issues.
I've included an image from the AIM and have a question about the dimensions shown (.250/.375). Is it correct to assume this range of dimensions is required after the coupling and flange are properly torqued?
The AIM drawing references spacers. Are these used to achieve the dimension questioned above? The only things that were included with the new rag joint were the red items in the other photo. No instructions. Can I fabricate substitute spacers?
I always appreciate the wisdom here and look forward to benefiting again. :-)
Thanks,
Mike
RagJointNew.jpg
RagJointSpacing.jpg
RagJointSpacers.jpg
In a previous post I asked for suggestions for installing the rag joint. I did get it installed, but now have questions about its alignment. Because the gear box was rebuilt and a new rag joint purchased, there are no alignment markings in that area. I positioned the slot in the flange to center over the steering shaft flat. With the pitman arm installed and aligned with its related markings, I positioned everything as best as I can tell to have the wheels straight ahead. Currently the wheels and all steering linkage are off the car. I've planned all along to get a professional front end alignment when the car is road ready.
One photo below shows my first attempt at alignment. You can see that the coupling bolts are not perfectly perpendicular into the flange. Additionally the top coupling post isn't centered over the flange slot. The steering column has never been removed, so that shouldn't be a factor. Because the gear box has to be completely unbolted from the frame to reposition the rag coupling, I'm hoping someone can suggest what I need to do to correct the alignment with a minimum of trial and error. I wonder if I rotate the coupling one or two splines (as indicated in the photo) if that will correct my issues.
I've included an image from the AIM and have a question about the dimensions shown (.250/.375). Is it correct to assume this range of dimensions is required after the coupling and flange are properly torqued?
The AIM drawing references spacers. Are these used to achieve the dimension questioned above? The only things that were included with the new rag joint were the red items in the other photo. No instructions. Can I fabricate substitute spacers?
I always appreciate the wisdom here and look forward to benefiting again. :-)
Thanks,
Mike
RagJointNew.jpg
RagJointSpacing.jpg
RagJointSpacers.jpg