OK, here comes another dumb question. What is a power steering rag joint, and will I need one when converting a manual system to a power system? I have a new BB pump ordered and will be continuing my attempt at the conversion this weekend. I happened to see one of these puppies on E-bay last night, and wondered what the heck it was......thanks. KZ

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John D. Smith
69' SS/396
www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd (http://www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd)

[This message has been edited by kz1000ltd (edited 01-03-2001).]

The rag joint is a fiber like rubber grommett that goes between the steering column and the gearbox, they are the same for power and manual gearboxes.

If your is in good shape don't worry about it.

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68 Corvette Roadster
427/435
4-speed, tri-power
Ralley Red/Tan
Both tops, off-road exhaust
67 Camaro SS 350, 4-speed
Ermine White/Red int, Black Top
67 SS Camaro (http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1277786&a=10561790)
67 Camaro RS 350, 4-speed, Marina Blue/Black int.
47,000 orig. mi.
67 RS Camaro (http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1277786&a=10561779)

If you are converting from a manual box, you need the PS half of the joint.

A manual box has a different size input shaft.

There are two sizes of PS box steering shafts and spline counts are different for each. There's an early PS and a late PS size.
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Can Am Vintage Racer

So if converting from manual to power, I do need this rag joint? But there are (2) sizes? How do I tell which one I need, counting the splines on the input shaft? You know, come to think of it, manual steering isn't all that bad......good grief.


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John D. Smith
69' SS/396
www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd (http://www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd)

ITS ALSO CALL COPPLER OR SOMTING LIKE THA http://www.camaros.net/forum/cool.gif

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68 RS ORIGINAL 327 4 BARREL 650 CFM EDELBROCK
HEADERS,2CHAMBERS FLOW MASTERS,3" PIPE.
12 BOLT REAR END 331 GEARS

Maybe I was confused, because the Rag Joint is the actual rubber grommet that goes between the steering coupler and steering column and screws the two peices together. http://www.camaros.net/forum/rolleyes.gif And it doesn't matter if you have power or manual steering it is the same, because I just bought one. http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by 2-67 Camaros (edited 01-03-2001).]

The couplers are different. Part numbers are (were?) manual: 7818568, power: 7828871. The power number was still good in 1998.

There's actually five "coupler" pieces to consider here as I found out.

(1) a non-power steering gear lower half.
(2) A power steering gear lower half.
(3) The column end upper half, if a tilt or not, because they are different.
(4) The actual rubber flexible "rag joint" thats the same for all of them.

The tilt upper half bolts on where I think the non-tilt upper half is part of the steering column shaft.

No big deal but knowledge will keep you from buying the wrong stuff. Hope this helps. pdq67

Would these coupler and rag joints pieces be available at a local parts store, or will I have to get them aftermarket??????

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John D. Smith
69' SS/396
www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd (http://www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd)

Try a local Chevy dealership. A friend of mine got a new one for his '72 Firebird from a local Pontiac dealer and they had it in stock. Otherwise, you may want to check with Patty at Firewheel. She should have one in stock.

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Pearl blue & white 69 Camaro with supercharged 350, Tremec TKO, and 3.73 12-bolt

See my website updated 12/17/00 at:

www.geocities.com/gheatly (http://www.geocities.com/gheatly)

Thanks Gene, I'll probably just get one at Firewheel, that's where I'm picking up the pump on Friday. Unless I change my mind and decide to start lifting weights instead http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif KZ

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John D. Smith
69' SS/396
www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd (http://www.geocities.com/kz1000ltd)