According to the company website, the Dorman 31011 Steering Coupler that most of us are are using for our fast ratio power steering upgrade fits a very long list of GM vehicles (see Dorman link below).

Would it then be true that because this part fits all of these applications, then all of these applications have the exact same rag joint? Even though they have completely different GM part numbers?

For example, the recommended steering coupler for our conversion is GM 7826542. This part costs $140.00 from GM. The Dorman part for this application is 31011.

The 1969-82 Corvette coupler is GM part number 7818568 and costs only $80.00 from GM. It is also Dorman part 31011.

With the same Dorman part number, but different GM numbers, are these actually exactly the same part?

I have #7818568 and it has a flat spot, 15-ish splines and is much better made than the Dorman part. Can I install it?

https://www.dormanproducts.com/cgi-bin/vm91corp30r/buyers_guide.w?sid=0x003eab1c&item=31011&clt=hwrap1&vsrch_str=31011&vsrch_brand=ALL&vsrch_cat=ALL&st_amount=&end_amount=&start=&vfrom=&prev=&vnext=&category_list=:0
the same vehicles that the

The 31011 may fit all those applications, but the GM box splines were larger, and without a flat until after 1974 or so. The flat type coupler may fit earlier boxes, but the early couplers may not fit the later.

Can you provide an exact shaft OD for the late box? I'd like to list it on my web page. I only have early boxes and shafts/couplers to compare.

If I can generate additional info, I'll post it on my web page steering section.
David

David,

Thanks for the reply. Here are pics I just took of GM part number 7818568--is this what you need? Do you think it would work in place of the Dorman 31011?:


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a253/brentmc/Steering/rag1.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a253/brentmc/Steering/rag4.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a253/brentmc/Steering/rag3.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a253/brentmc/Steering/rag2.jpg

There's 3/4" and 13/16" for P/S and non-p/s as well as tilt and non-tilt..

Tilt has bolt-on top piece and non-tilt doesn't if not mistaken??

It's too darn cold to mess around in my garage and check what my tilt has on it right now, sorry..

David, please help me out here.....

pdq67