Rag joint question for a 69

[Greg L.]

Is the steering box rag joint a corvette only part or was it the same for various other years and models?

[Joe L.]

Re: Rag joint question for a 69

Greg------

The 67-69 steering coupling, GM #7806391, was used on most other 1967-69 Chevrolet cars WITHOUT power steering. It was also used on some 1968-69 Chevrolet trucks. While some references, including some GM references, indicate that the 7806391 was not used on Corvettes with power steering, that is an INCORRECT reference. For Corvettes, the 7806391 was used for BOTH power steering and non-power steering applications. For the OTHER cars, it was used only for those without power steering.

The GM #7806391 was also used on 1967-69 Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and Pontiacs without power steering.

Very late 1969 model Corvettes (October-December, 1969 built) may have used coupling GM #7818568. This coupling differs in configuration compared to the 7806391. The primary FUNCTIONAL difference, though, is that the splined collar for the steering box worm shaft on the 7806391 is completely round (i.e. non-indexed) and the splined collar for the 7818568 has a "flat spot" (i.e. indexed). The 7818568 was also used on most other 1970 and later Chevrolet cars without power steering. The exception was 1972 Chevelles and Camaros which used it with or without power steering. For Corvettes from late 1969 through 1982 the 7818568 was used for all applications, with or without power steering.

By the way, the 63-66 Corvette steering couplings, GM #5690809 without tele wheel and GM #5692974 with tele wheel, were Corvette-only pieces. They were not used for any other models. That's a NEGATIVE thing, incidentally. It means that there is a much higher liklihood of the part being discontinued than a part which fits other applications (like the 67 and later couplings described above). Indeed, that's just what happened. The 63-66 couplings are "long gone"; the 67+ couplings are still available.

Now, what else do you want to know about Corvette steering couplings?

[Greg L.]

Re: Rag joint question for a 69

That's excellent info Joe,thanks again. Would you happen to know if the 67+ steering couplings that are still avialable are of the same appearance as the originals?

[Joe L.]

Re: Rag joint question for a 69

Greg------

They're of the original part number, but the configuration is slightly different. For one thing, the grounding strap is not on the current versions.

[John H.]

Re: Rag joint question for a 69

The ground path on the currently-available coupling is accomplished via a steel mesh impregnated into the flexible "carcass" material instead of through a discrete copper strap as used on the original couplings; the grounding mechanism is still there for the horn, you just can't see it any more.