Steering Shaft (Firewall Connection)

[enaberif]

We all know how the steering shaft connects to the steering box but has anyone wondered how the other end works? Well I took it apart and its actually quite interesting how it works. One of the things I did after taking mine apart was spreading the metal spring out so the metal squares really push up against the housing and then will be filling it up with a high quality grease.

[Chaplain]

I need more "esplaining" on how to get the upper end apart.

[enaberif]

there is a single clip clip that you need to remove. I didn't take pictures of it as you can see it when you get ready to take it apart.

[1970pelle]

I would be will to bet that is one of the most over looked items. That need serviced from time to time and never even get a second glance. While still under warranty, and during major services.
I do know the Dodge version did see a lot of attention because of very poor design. Because once a little bit of oil or anything made with petroleum in it. Would cause the seals to swell and the whole deal would fall apart, letting dirt and engine grime enter in.
I did replace my rag joint, I had to use a mix of old hardware with some of the new to get the job done.

Thanks for starting this Post. Ken

[Chaplain]

Yeah thanks for starting this topic. I feel like you know where I am in my rebuild process.

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by 1970pelle

I would be will to bet that is one of the most over looked items. That need serviced from time to time and never even get a second glance. While still under warranty, and during major services.
I do know the Dodge version did see a lot of attention because of very poor design. Because once a little bit of oil or anything made with petroleum in it. Would cause the seals to swell and the whole deal would fall apart, letting dirt and engine grime enter in.
I did replace my rag joint, I had to use a mix of old hardware with some of the new to get the job done.

Thanks for starting this Post. Ken

Being that my truck is a 74 it uses the older style steering box so I'm not able to do the jeep shaft mod on this truck. I have ordered a u-joint that I will be able to attach to the steering box then attach my normal steering shaft too. This will completely remove the rag joint out of the equation because that is always a problem on these trucks.

But yes I can honestly tell you the grease inside the boot was old and nasty and I tried to take the clip off the rubber boot to clean that good too but the clip is crazy tight and felt like I would hurt myself. Also how floppy the coupling was before rebending that spring is now night and day. Before I could hold the shaft and it would just flop over not it actually holds in place.

I also thought about maybe installing a zerk fitting on the coupling but I figure its not that difficult to service and doing the service now it'll probably be good for another 40 years.

Once I get the new ujoint I'll post that up too.

[raggedjim]

Just to add some info, parts for these are hard to find. When I rebuilt mine the spring was broken and the boot was torn. I ended up buying parts here, it's a jeep parts place but some jeeps used the same coupling as GM.

Also, pressing that dowel pin out and then back in is a bear!

Hope this helps, Rg

http://www.quadratec.com/products/918018_02.htm

or complete coupling

http://www.quadratec.com/products/918018_06.htm