C2: Steering Gear Coupler

[Michael H.]

In the mechanical section, item #20, (steering equipment) page 129 of the 3rd edition 63-64 judging guide, it states that;

"The steering gear coupler upper flange is bolted to the "rag", while the lower flange is riveted via two pins to the rag."

Does anyone disagree with this method/direction of assembly?

It is further stated that;

"All coupler components are unpainted".

Any comments?

[Alan Drake]

Re: C2: Steering Gear Coupler

My Mar64 is just the opposite, upper (nearest driver) is riveted while lower (nearest steering box) is bolted.

Not sure on paint however. Both Box and coupler appear same blackish color - it may be paint. Would expect that the coupler would have been painted when assembled with rag - I find no indication of paint on rag.

Did notice the upper flange has a small white paint mark at shaft end.
Do not believe I ever removed the coupler, but as always the time between Mar 64 and Spring 66 is an unknown.

[Michael H.]

Re: C2: Steering Gear Coupler

Ok, thanks Alan. So, you're saying your coupler is assembled the same as the one in the pic below, with the threaded ends of the coupler bolts facing forward?

[Alan Drake]

That's Correct Direction in your photo *NM*

[Michael H.]

Re: That's Correct Direction in your photo

Alan,

Yes, the photo is one of many factory photos taken over the 63-66 era that I have that clearly show the direction of installation for the coupler.

The steering gear arrived on the line with the coupler installed. It was properly indexed to the shaft on the steering gear, using the small radial mark at the rear end of the shaft. The split in the coupler was to be indexed with the mark.

Once the coupler is properly indexed on the steering gear shaft, the rest was easy for the line worker at the St Louis plant because the steering column shaft would only install in the coupler in one way. This way, the mark on the steering gear shaft would be in exactly the same clock position as the mark at the top of the steering column shaft, which would also line up with the steering wheel hub.

All of this insured that the steering gear was on it's "high spot", or center, when the steering wheel was in the straight ahead position. This definitely makes a difference in the way a car drives down the road when the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.

I'd like to have a good quality close up pic of the rear end of the steering gear shaft that shows the index mark if anyone happens to have one. I'll post it so everyone can see it.

[Dale S.]

Re: That's Correct Direction in your photo

Did the 67 C-2 with telescoping steering wheel have a different coupler? Mine looks different. Dale

[Michael H.]

Re: That's Correct Direction in your photo

Hi Dale, Y

The 67 used an entirely different coupler, with or without telly. The upper shaft size was increased and the upper flange shortened, among other things.

[John H.]

Re: That's Correct Direction in your photo

Here's a '67 coupler:

[Dale S.]

Re: That's Correct Direction in your photo

Ok, Thanks, thats what I have. Had me wondering. Dale

[Richard S.]

Re: That's Correct Direction in your photo

John,

I see that your clutch rod is at the very end of it's adjustment range. My 66 is the same way......but my 67 is at mid way point in adjustment range.....and I don't know why the 66 is where it is. I've even tried the longer clutch rod with no change.

[J M.]

Re: That's Correct Direction in your photo

I just redid my clutch linkage on my 66 and the adjustment is in the middle. I made sure I had the correct rods and fork and it worked perfectly. No problems.

[John H.]

Re: That's Correct Direction in your photo

Rick -

Actually, it's at the very BEGINNING of the adjustment range - as it wears, subsequent adjustments will move the swivel toward the firewall, not away from it. That photo isn't of my car, but mine shows about 5/8" of exposed thread forward of the front jam nut.

[Verne Frantz]

Re: That's Correct Direction in your photo

John,
Why is the Z-bar adjustment all the way out on the end of the pedal push rod? Are you using a different clutch and throw-out?

Verne

[Verne Frantz]

Sorry John...Just read above info *NM*