[Machican]

I am working on a '73 Mach 1 which needs a new rag joint. I am feeling like a serious noob because I am unsure about how to get it out of the car. I know there there is one pinch bolt between the rag and the steering box that must be removed in order to separate the lower part of the joint, but I am not sure where the upper part is intended to be separated. Directly above the rag, there is a circular piece of metal with two bolts attaching it to the rag. My question is: do I remove these two bolts, repair the rag on the lower portion of the joint, then bolt it back in or does the circular piece of metal come out with the joint?

Usually I would just head in with wrenches blazing, but I understand that there are certain bolt heads that will not turn and hence must be ground off, so I don't want to waste time breaking things if these two bolts aren't intended to turn!


I found the link below with pictures of what I am talking about:
Dash and Steering Column - Part 17
The 6th and 7th pictures down show what I am talking about (the wobbly piece of metal at the far end where the rag would attach).

From the two pictures, I still cant see where that bottom piece of the shaft comes apart (if it even does).


Thanks so much for any help, it is very much appreciated.

-Joe

[Machican]

Update: I got the new rag removed, rebuilt and somewhat installed. To remove it I had to remove the three 3/4" bolts from inside the wheel well that hold the steering box.

New problem: There is a 1 - 2" gap between the rag joint (mounted to the steering box) and the upper flange(attached to the steering column). The location of the steering box itself is not adjustable, so I expect I somehow need to move the upper flange down, towards the rag, in order for them to mate. Can anyone tell me how to do this? I have just about zero experience with steering-related issues.

Thanks!

[silver69]

In 69 and 70's they are 2 "D" shafts that telescope inside each other, try just sliding down the upper steering sector towards the steering box, it may be a little stuck from age but I dont see ford re-engineering the sector for latter year stangs. I dont know this for gospel but that is what I would try.

[Machican]

From the pictures of the piece that I have seen, what you are saying makes perfect sense. I tugged it a little bit, but didn't want to break something so I figured I'd ask here first. I'll give it a little harder pull and see where that gets me. I haven't seen an obvious retaining bolt anywhere.


Thanks for the help!

[silver69]

glad to help man, try prying it down I dont think there is any kind of pinch bolt holding it. its a tube within a tube and the steering box actually centers the lower shaft. pry and tap, it should move just dont smack it and dent the outer tube.
Joe

[Machican]

I owe you one silver69. I went out there with a long wrench and a socket to act as a fulcrum and was able to pry the upper shaft down just as you suggested; it really was stuck up in there hard.

Once that was done I got it all back together and driving (with considerably better steering) very quickly.

Thanks a ton for the help!