My '67 assembly manual show a "clearance" for the rag joint (1/4 - 3/8 if I remember). It is not clear where this is to be measured. Any help? I assume it is important since they indicate that this clearance 'must be maintained'.
John

I think that they are indicating that the steering column shouldn't be pulling on the flexible coupling so that the stop pins are pulled out of engagement with the window openings in the steering column flange. Also, the steering column shouldn't be pushing on the flexible coupling so that it is compressed and the rubber disc forced into bending.

I have a 1975 Corvette and I have an AIM manual for it. UPC 9A, Sheet #3 is entitled Steering Column Installation Instruction. The GM A-car should have an equivalent page for aligning and installing the steering column. If someone could scan that page and send it to me, I might be able to figure out how the A-car gear and column are supposed to go together. I would need the 1967 or 1968 page since I believe the 1969 A-car went to a separate intermediate steering shaft.

Send it to JIML82@aol.com

Originally posted by JIML82:
I think that they are indicating that the steering column shouldn't be pulling on the flexible coupling ... Also, the steering column shouldn't be pushing on the flexible coupling . Makes sense. Only place I can figue to measure would be column shaft and steering box shaft - between the ends of the 2. Thanks Jim!
John

The .25/.375 gap is the distance from the bottom of the window cutout in the column flange to the surface where the stop pin holds the rubber flexible coupling disc. If you hold the .25/.375 gap, the flexible coupling rubber disc should be relatively flat. It shouldn't be pushed or pulled between the column flange and the flange that connects to the steering gear. The tips of the stop pins should always be extending up into the flange window.

Also, both stop pins should be central in their respective column flange windows. You should check both pins in one position, then rotate your steering wheel one quarter turn and check them for those same stop pin clearances again. If the stop pins are rubbing then you need to adjust the location of the lower end of the steering column to get the column to aim more directly at the steering gear.