69 Steering Box

[Thomas F.]

I need some information reinstalling my steering gear (box) on my early 69. It all started when I realized I needed to replace my rag joint (steering coupler). To remove my old rag joint and install the new one I decided to loosen the steering box as opposed to loosening the steering column. Two of the long bolts that attach the steering box to the frame came out easily, but the third bolt was rusted in place. I finally was able to remove it and after freeing the pitman arm from the power steering control valve I was able to remove the steering box with pitman arm attached thru the top of the engine bay. I cleaned it up and repainted it while I had it out.

Now my question is.....what steps should I take reinstalling everything? I assume I need to make sure my front wheels are centered, maybe make sure my steering box is in the center position. I did not remove the pitman arm from the box. Am I going to be able to get it all back as it was before? My car is on jack stands. How do I know it the front wheels are perfectly centered? Am I going to need an alignment afterwards?

By the way I purchased my new steering coupler from Zip Corvettes. The early 69 uses the same coupler as the 67. I had to search under 67 to find the correct one for my early 69.

Thanks for reading about my problem. Maybe it is not as bad as I am thinking. Any assistance is appreciated.

[Gary R.]

Re: 69 Steering Box

Early 69's had the full spline input, the 67 rag is correct but how is the material. I haven't seen anything sold new today that is close to the original material or that used by Corvette Steering or LICS. All those suppliers are either closed or permanently out of them. The rag should be rigid and grounded through both sides.

For the box, if you didn't do anything but clean it up then it should go back in the same position. Now whether it was aligned correctly before, we don't know but it should go back where it was. I would be willing to bet it needs adjustment at the least and if you have a 0-30 in/lb dial you can check it before installing. Now the true center and high lash should be one and same but most times they are out, another reason to check the lash out of the car.

[Thomas F.]

Re: 69 Steering Box

Thanks Gary for your input. The rag is not the same as my old one which probably came on the car. It is a solid black material and it does have the wire mesh ground. I noticed this because I felt it stick my fingers several times. As I understand the ground is for the horn but my horn blows without any coupler installed. Maybe someone wired the horn differently. Who knows what secrets these old cars hold. Everything else seems to be the same as my old coupler except the pinch bolt is not a 12 point. The pinch bolt does go thru the same side as my original coupler. All in all since I am not interested in having my car NCRS judged I am pleased with this coupler from Zip. I will have to study up on performing the adjustments you mentioned. Thanks again.