Removing the rag joint

[Droff]

I need to replace my rag joint, it's been soaked with PS fluid for several years. I know what I need to unbolt I just don't know how to get it out without removing the steering box or unbolting the steering column.
It looks like I have a collapsible column but don't know how I can get it to collapse other than maybe forcing it.
I've searched and found a lot of rag joint threads but haven't seen one with this info unless I just missed it.
Thanks.

[hewittca]

I just replaced the rag joint on my '68. I too thought it might be possible to collapse the column but it was a no go. I ended up just pulling the box out. It was more trouble than I initially planned on but it was straightforward once I accepted I had to approach it that way.

[Droff]

I was afraid that might end up being the best option. Not too difficult but just takes more time.

[randy500]

If you loosen the bolt near the spring where the column comes out of the firewall that clamp will slide down towards the rag joint allowing you to remove the shaft from the rag joint...the steering wheel will move out along with the shaft because the shaft is one piece. When re assembling preload the spring with the same clamp.

[randy500]

Nothing will fall apart inside the column when loosing and moving the clamp or shaft.

[bs46488]

I rebuilt mine the way that Randy explained.

swapping out the rag joint was a big improvement in the steering response.

[Droff]

Originally Posted by randy500

If you loosen the bolt near the spring where the column comes out of the firewall that clamp will slide down towards the rag joint allowing you to remove the shaft from the rag joint...the steering wheel will move out along with the shaft because the shaft is one piece. When re assembling preload the spring with the same clamp.

This worked great, slid everything out of the way and popped the rag joint off.

Thanks for the info!

[randy500]

Originally Posted by Droff

This worked great, slid everything out of the way and popped the rag joint off.

Thanks for the info!

Congrats and ur welcome