Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

Same spline count, measures to be the same size, but won't go on in place of the old rag joint. I'm putting the new one on exactly how the old one came off and it won't go on lined up in the exact same flat spot position. Not even with a hammer. I haven't tried hitting it too hard. The only thing I can think of is that the old rag joint and the steering box shaft have been worn and damaged in the exact same pattern together so now something new won't fit on because it doesn't match that deformed pattern.

Help. I don't want to replace my steering box too. Any advice?

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

There are two couplers available for 67-72 trucks. One is 3/4" (36 spline) the other is 13/16" (31 spline). It appears you have the 13/16" version.

I had the same problem about 6 months ago.....

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

Rockauto part number 200 or 201. Look for Lares product. I always keep one of each on hand.

Smitty

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

Yeah, the old and new in the picture are the 31 spline. Any advice on getting it on?

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

You could try chamfering the edge.
Small round file or emery cloth.
Or spread the clamp a bit with a flat screwdriver.

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

Thinking more on it, best to spread the clamp end.

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

Don't know if it is my monitor or not, but to me the new rag joint looks like it has more splines compared to the old

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

Yeah I could imagine it's real hard to tell from the picture I counted them real carefully a few times and they're the same number. :)

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

I think this is a great idea. It looks like a hydraulic spreader is 120 bucks. I'm not sure how else to spread them apart.

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

You should be able to gently drive a chisel or something like that in just far enough to get it on the shaft. Don't go any farther than you absolutely have to or you won't be able to get the bolt back in.

LockDoc

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

Do you have a pair of channel-loc pliers?? Thread the bolt into the coupler, leaving ~ 1/8 - 3/16" space under the head.. One jaw of the pliers in the slot, and the other jaw on the head of the bolt. Squeeze the pliers taking note of the gap width. Work slowly, checking the fit occasionally until the coupler slides over the shaft.

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

Place 2 flat blade screw drivers in the gap and spead the screw drivers apart thus widening the gap enough to slide it in place , it doesn't take much to get it on then install locking bolt . easy peasy . :chevy:

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

After trying a few different ways, I finally found a method that worked. :)

Re: Rag joint, steering coupler won't go on
 

BFH & pry bar....aka speed wrench.

good you FIO OP