So I have the Vette starting and driving ok, brakes are 100% functional.

Onto the next small obstacle:

The steering is horrid. It has around 2" of dead space at center. I can watch the steering box input move and the pitman arm stay still for most of that, but the rag joint can move about 3/16" before turning the input.

I looked at the pins (all while installed) and do not see any serious gouging like ive read about. The pin will move to the edge of the upper slot before turning.

Is this normal?

If so I am looking at a few options:

1) http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid={1DEAAC78-F85E-4141-B128-4C85BF9DE085}&gid={A90FD4B0-CE35-4191-A755-1147A8F326EA}&pname=69-82+Steering+Column+Lower+Coupler&Referer=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=&

2) http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid={6502898F-97FE-4EFB-AF39-5C4AFE397589}&gid={F52F657D-2EA0-4967-B378-0AC76E85854E}&pname=67-82+Column+Coupler+Rebuild+Kit&Referer=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=&

Or option 3, which is the Flaming River U-Joint.

Ive done a ton of reading and both of the above factory rag joints appear to have the correct flanged bolts with them.

I also need some input on the steering box - I can buy the Zip rebuilt box or have my current rebuilt by Gary. I am planning on driving it to Savannah, GA from Westminster, SC June 30th for my honeymoon - so if the Zip boxes are ok I will get that, if not the box can wait.

Thanks!

Steering Gearbox Adjustment pg 1

Page 2

Page 3


This is mostly how to rebuild the gearbox, BUT...page 3 has the adjustment procedure, if you want to try to adjust it before buying a new one. Just make sure, if you do adjust it, that you do NOT get it too tight....it will drive like crap, and wipe the gearbox out quickly if it is too tight. 

Sweet! Thanks - I will try that first, but my hopes are not high on that one. I noticed when I got the car that someone had definitely been playing with the adjustment before! I cant seem to find anything about the Zip reman'd steering box.

Any advice on the coupler?


|UPDATED|5/28/2013 12:38:39 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Either of the rag-joint options you posted will work, but the complete set-up(the 1st one) is better, time-wise, since you will have new parts, instead of trying to clean your old parts for the repair kit(the 2nd one).

If you think someone has already been messing with the gearbox adjustment, I wouldn't spend a lot of time trying to adjust it, but I would at least give it a shot. If it was adjusted too tight before, and/or has no grease in it anymore, chances are it is now worn out, and un-useable. In that case, a new/reman box is the safest thing to do.

Good day all. This is my first post on this forum. In fact, it's my first DAY on this forum. My situation is similar. My new (to me) old '72 convertible has some serious steering issues.

I have some PDF articles that show how to adjust the box in the car, and articles on how to rebuild its not to difficult. one other thing to check is the rod on top of the steering control valve, mine wore out and was just flopping That was when I decided to go to the steeroids.

My '73 had the sloppy steering y'all are talking about too.  There are lots of places for the steering to be loose and they can all add up to become major slop!   Be sure you look at all the joints and bearings starting at the steering column.  There is a Bearing at the bottom of the column that is easy to replace.  Next the Rag Joint.  Of course the Steering Box and power steering Control Valve.  Then there are the inner and outer Tie Rods.  The Idler Arm joint.  A-Arm Bushings and Ball Joints.  And lastly, the Wheel Bearings.   That's a lot of parts to check individually and then repair or replace.  

Regarding the rag joint:  I purchased the rebuild kit from Zip and it had lots of extra parts I couldn't figure out what to do with so I wound up buying the assembeld joint.  Here's a tip thats worked for me.  Many parts for our cars are way cheaper from non-Corvette specialty shops like Rock Auto - not sure it's the exact same rag joint but they have an assembly for $17.17!