I am reinstalling my steering box. On the 67's the steering shaft is one piece. Any tricks/issues I should be aware of? Thanks!
Not sure about 67. Did they have a collapsable column then? Check the rag joint if it is worn. Usually, there is enough slack in the joint near the steering column end to get the splines aligned.
Installation is very straight forward. Be sure the "over center" of the steering box aligns with the steering wheel being centered.
Thanks! It seems the coupler and the box have to be installed together. I think once the box is in the coupler will not go in. My helper is incapacitated so I'll have to lock the shaft somehow. vise grips!
Well, it appears all the parts only go together one way. There is a flat on the coupler and the bolts are two differ size bolts to attach it to the shaft. Interestingly, the box is now 3 1/4 turns vs 4 1/2 in the original. That should make for a nice ride! It is a Carhex/Hector box. Now if I can get the ground to work! Everything is painted nice, so I'll be doing some paint removal at critical points!
I put a Carhex box in my 67 GS400 and it drives like a dream. Absolutely worth every penny. You will enjoy it!
Thanks! Found this website referred to by the board: https://www.powersteering.com/tech-tips-1/steering-gear-on-center-how-to-confirm Lots of great info on steering system! Like how to tell when the box is centered:
Having just gone thru my gear box on my ‘71 GS, they’re not that complicated, just take notes/pictures and after a bit you’ll realize “hey this can only go together one way”
Bill, is it an aftermarket coupler or original? Originals had a copper strap to connect the steering wheel side to the box side. I've seen others that used a wire. It goes across the cloth/rubber 'rag'. I was looking for a replacement 'rag' for my '66 but the Dorman ones have different bolt spacing. I was looking into the ones from Lares. I thought the '67 had a collapsible column? Or is that portion only at the firewall? On a '66 you can loosen the clamp at the lower bearing and just slide the whole steering shaft up to work on the coupler.
It is original. It had a black wire clamped/soldiered to the brass tangs, but it was well worn and fell apart when I was messing with it. Unfortunately Powersteering.com stopped selling parts like couplers. I heard the ones they sold were original style GM. I don't know much else about the column - too many other things to replace/fix! The box is in and done! Ground is working!
