67 Steering Column Install

[Ralph E.]

Last fall I posted that my steering column in my 67 moved in and out about 3/16"-1/4", we the help of others I discovered the bearings needed to be replaced. Now that the column has been fully restored I am ready to install it .
When the column was initially removed I marked the steering box and shaft, but after restoration all the marking have been lost so I don't have any makings to set the rag joint on the steering gear box or steering column. The front wheels have been rotated and appear to be straight. Is there a mark on the gear box to align the rag joint. If so where is it?
I can see that the steering column shaft can only be installed in one position in the rag joint, but how to I set the rag joint on the steering box.

[Jim S.]

Re: 67 Steering Column Install

Two things: You can rotate the input shaft on your gear counting the number of rotations from full lock to full lock. (Should be about 3.6 rotations.) Now starting at full lock (either direction) come back exactly 1.8 revolutions. Your gearbox is now exactly on center. There should also be an indentation right on the very end of your gearbox input shaft. That indentation should also be exactly at 12 o'clock when your gearbox is on center.

Now install your flexible coupling so that the stop pins are at 12 and 6 o'clock. Also, the big 3/8 bolt should be at 9 o'clock. You should now be able to install your steering column to the steering gear so that the indentation on the driver end of your steering column is also at 12 o'clock.

Jim

[Timothy B.]

Re: 67 Steering Column Install

Ralph,

I also want to add that after setting everything straight if the car steers right or left with the wheel in straight ahead position the toe needs to be set.

[Jim S.]

Re: 67 Steering Column Install

You are correct that as part of a competent front end alignment, the steering wheel should be centered as part of the procedure.

However, if you are satisfied that your front end alignment is correct (caster, camber, and in particular the toe), you can still adjust your tie rods to "fine tune" your steering wheel centering without changing your correct toe set.

If you loosen your tie rod clamps and rotate your adjuster tubes the same direction and exactly the same amount, you will change your steering gear and steering column centering without changing your front end toe setting. If you begin rotating your sleeves and find the steering wheel centering becomes worse, just start rotating the sleeves in the opposite direction. (Again exactly the same amount in the same direction.)

This paper describes all the information (and more!) necessary to center your steering gear, steering linkage, steering column, and steering wheel.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1033#attachments

Good luck,
Jim

[Ralph E.]

Re: 67 Steering Column Install

You are correct that as part of a competent front end alignment, the steering wheel should be centered as part of the procedure.

However, if you are satisfied that your front end alignment is correct (caster, camber, and in particular the toe), you can still adjust your tie rods to "fine tune" your steering wheel centering without changing your correct toe set.

If you loosen your tie rod clamps and rotate your adjuster tubes the same direction and exactly the same amount, you will change your steering gear and steering column centering without changing your front end toe setting. If you begin rotating your sleeves and find the steering wheel centering becomes worse, just start rotating the sleeves in the opposite direction. (Again exactly the same amount in the same direction.)

This paper describes all the information (and more!) necessary to center your steering gear, steering linkage, steering column, and steering wheel.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=1033#attachments

Good luck,
Jim

Thanks for the link info. That is exactly what I needed !
Now off to work to install the steering column and rag joint.