How to replace a steering coupler - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

micsan · 07-06-2006, 04:49 PM

How do I replace a steering coupler on a 1978 chevy van, 305 automatic? I need help. Thanx, Michelle

Prerunner1982 · 07-06-2006, 05:32 PM

Michelle, welcome to our addiction. Sorry I dont have the answer for you. However if you dont get a good answer here, delete this thread and repost in the truck or perhaps the burb/blazer forum. Granted they are not exactly the same veh but somethings are VERY similar. If you need other help with this site or anything in particular feel free to ask any of the mods or volunteers... that is why we are here..

micsan · 07-06-2006, 06:54 PM

Okay thank you and thanx for the welcome. Michelle

cdowns · 07-06-2006, 07:05 PM

are you talking about the "rag" joint coupler // if so and you need to replace the flexible middle it's just a matter of 2bolts and nuts plus 2 stationary pins unbolt the nuts and bolts and slip the old rag joint out and put the new one in // if you want to remove the whole thing theres a collar that has a bolt going sideways thru it that fits thru a machined dimple that holds it in place

welcome from daytona beach where are you in florida

micsan · 07-06-2006, 07:29 PM

I live in Jacksonville. Can I send you a picture to show you the rag joint? I had someone else say I had to take out the whole steering wheel etc. I sure don't want to do that. Michelle

cdowns · 07-06-2006, 07:54 PM

i just did a quick look in a manual// it looks like the easiest way is to to unbolt the steering box from the frame you don't have to disconnect steering hoses or pitman arms or tierod ends just unbolting the box and let it hang or possibally you can leave one mounting bolt in loose and let the box pivot foward to get the clearance you need to replace that joint// i believe if you just need to replace the flexible rubber piece if you just loosen the steering box mounts there'll be enough slack to get it in

micsan · 07-06-2006, 08:17 PM

I'll try. This is my sons and my project. He's 16 and still learning. I'm still learning too. I'm still learning what steering parts are called. I do know what tierods and balljoints are. Our manual shows nothing. Thank u for help.

mbgmike · 07-08-2006, 08:56 AM

doesn't the shaft collapse on vans? i just unbolt the rag joint from the box and collapse the shaft. never unbolted the steering box

LiveWire64 · 07-08-2006, 11:37 AM

The shaft doesn't collapse. Just remove the 12 point bolt on the steering coupler shaft. This bolt is the one on the coupler that holds the shft onto the steering box. Then unbolt the 2 bolts holding the coupler to the steering column.
Then go under the dash & loosen the 2 bolts holding the column to the dash. Should now be able to pull the column up a few inches & then have the room to get the coupler off the steering box.
Here's a pic for you. Message me if you need any other help. Brad

mbgmike · 07-08-2006, 03:26 PM

I learn something new everyday

micsan · 07-09-2006, 09:07 PM

The coupler turned out to be okay. Thanx for all help.

07-06-2006, 04:49 PM	#1
micsan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 9	How to replace a steering coupler How do I replace a steering coupler on a 1978 chevy van, 305 automatic? I need help. Thanx, Michelle

07-06-2006, 05:32 PM	#2
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	Re: How to replace a steering coupler Michelle, welcome to our addiction. Sorry I dont have the answer for you. However if you dont get a good answer here, delete this thread and repost in the truck or perhaps the burb/blazer forum. Granted they are not exactly the same veh but somethings are VERY similar. If you need other help with this site or anything in particular feel free to ask any of the mods or volunteers... that is why we are here.. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

07-06-2006, 06:54 PM	#3
micsan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 9	Re: How to replace a steering coupler Okay thank you and thanx for the welcome. Michelle

07-06-2006, 07:05 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: How to replace a steering coupler are you talking about the "rag" joint coupler // if so and you need to replace the flexible middle it's just a matter of 2bolts and nuts plus 2 stationary pins unbolt the nuts and bolts and slip the old rag joint out and put the new one in // if you want to remove the whole thing theres a collar that has a bolt going sideways thru it that fits thru a machined dimple that holds it in place welcome from daytona beach where are you in florida __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-06-2006, 07:29 PM	#5
micsan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 9	Re: How to replace a steering coupler I live in Jacksonville. Can I send you a picture to show you the rag joint? I had someone else say I had to take out the whole steering wheel etc. I sure don't want to do that. Michelle

07-06-2006, 07:54 PM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: How to replace a steering coupler i just did a quick look in a manual// it looks like the easiest way is to to unbolt the steering box from the frame you don't have to disconnect steering hoses or pitman arms or tierod ends just unbolting the box and let it hang or possibally you can leave one mounting bolt in loose and let the box pivot foward to get the clearance you need to replace that joint// i believe if you just need to replace the flexible rubber piece if you just loosen the steering box mounts there'll be enough slack to get it in __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-06-2006, 08:17 PM	#7
micsan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 9	Re: How to replace a steering coupler I'll try. This is my sons and my project. He's 16 and still learning. I'm still learning too. I'm still learning what steering parts are called. I do know what tierods and balljoints are. Our manual shows nothing. Thank u for help.

07-08-2006, 08:56 AM	#8
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: How to replace a steering coupler doesn't the shaft collapse on vans? i just unbolt the rag joint from the box and collapse the shaft. never unbolted the steering box

07-08-2006, 11:37 AM	#9
LiveWire64 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: west coast Posts: 51	Re: How to replace a steering coupler The shaft doesn't collapse. Just remove the 12 point bolt on the steering coupler shaft. This bolt is the one on the coupler that holds the shft onto the steering box. Then unbolt the 2 bolts holding the coupler to the steering column. Then go under the dash & loosen the 2 bolts holding the column to the dash. Should now be able to pull the column up a few inches & then have the room to get the coupler off the steering box. Here's a pic for you. Message me if you need any other help. Brad Attached Images __________________ 55 Chevy small window. 66 FJ40 LandCruiser. 64 Chevy Van,350/350 72 Chevy 10 Van,short wb,454 78 Chevy 10 Van,short wb,350 72 Chevy Malibu 350. 77 Chevy Suburban. Silverado 20 Trailering Special.454,turbo400.

07-08-2006, 03:26 PM	#10
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: How to replace a steering coupler I learn something new everyday

07-09-2006, 09:07 PM	#11
micsan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 9	Re: How to replace a steering coupler The coupler turned out to be okay. Thanx for all help.



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