It should go further on. The bolt goes thru the groove. That what keeps it in place.

 

qbui, my experience is that the bolt should line up with the groove in the input shaft. I don't think that the bolt will go all of the way through that clamp unless it is lined up with the groove. Unless someone has put the wrong rag joint or bolt in there previously. Dave R.

 

OK thanks daves67ss! Need to see why it won't go in any further. Also if I manage to make the rag joint go in further, it would stretch the rag joint and steering shaft further apart since I can't seem to move the shaft further towards the steering box.

 

Thanks Dave R. Will try to get it to go in further.

 

Hello! Yesterday I attempted to replace my steering box with a rebuilt box but found out the steering box I have was still tight and no play. Anyways, the rag joint might need to be replace but there's no tears or anything. So when I attempted to connect the rag joint back onto the input shaft, I was only able to get it to go in a little bit. See image A.

Did you remove and then re-install your original steering box?

Paul

 

Yes, same box in the car. Couldn't really remove unless I take the header or master cylinder off but since it was still tight, I just bolted it back on.
Thanks

 

It is possible that when you removed it then bolted it back in it was located in a slightly different position. Why dont you loosen (not remove) the box mounting bolts and then try to get the rag joint to go on all the way.

Paul

 

Paul, there was no play in the bolt holes that the box bolted through so it wouldn't have moved forward or backward.

It is possible that it was never in all the way from the previous owner. I unbolted the steering column and pulled it a little enough for me to remove the rag joint. It would not go all the way on the box that I was going to use to replace either. Probably was only in partial way so the rest of the spline had a rust buildup. Had to use a socket to drive it all the way through a few times and now it goes all the way in. So that part is resolved but not sure if I can push the steering column/shaft forward enough to butt the rag joint and shaft together.

Also take a look at the rag joint. Replace or still usable?

Thanks for the inputs

 

Also take a look at the rag joint. Replace or still usable?

I think you should replace that. Its a very critical part of your car.

Paul

 

Just replaced mine because my splines were worn down to the point that it would free spin on the gear box shaft. It's a $17 part from Rock Auto. I'd replace it.

If it won't go on far enough for the bolt to go in the groove, I would examine your steering shaft and wheel. Something doesn't seem right there.

 

Yup, already ordered! Thanks!

So I believe I have a collapsible steering column. Could it have been pushed in about an inch or so? If possible, can I pull it back out? Really can't check much until I get the rag joint.

Oh BTW, the steering box I have in there now is a Flaming River box. Thought maybe it has different dimensions but everything seems to have the same measurements as my rebuilt Fomoco box.

Thanks!

 

Rag Joint Bolt Location

I believe the 1969 and 70 are the same regarding the steering column rag joint. Here’s a picture of mine as it was from the factory showing clearly that the rag joint bolt is supposed to go thru the narrow portion of the steering shaft. Hope that helps some.

 

You don't have the rag joint lined up with the blank (No splines) on the shaft.

First, look at the rag joint picture A. See the notch cut in rag??? That notch has to be lined up with the blank in the shaft. See picture D. The D is right over the blank.

Line the two up, rag will slide right on, then put bolt in tighten up.

 

Thanks 70Machboy for the pictures! That's what I thought too but couldn't get it in all the way when it was on the car.

Dan, noticed the notch when I got the rag joint off and even tried to put it on aligning the notch to the section with no groove but it still didn't go in all the way. Had to nudged it with a socket and hammer
Thanks Dan!