Real-Life C3 Corvette Steering Coupler/Rag Joint Removal & Replacement Chevy 5.7Ltr 350cid V8 Engine

In this video you will see the removal of a Rag-Joint / Steering Coupler on a 1977 C3 Corvette. Also included in this video is the removal of the steering gear, or steering box from the C3. This video will clearly show how to remove the Rag-Joint combined with some of the challenges along the way.

[@jaa02130]

On my 81 C3, I removed the rag-joint by separating the steering column and supporting it from the inside. Don't want to let the steering column hang on its own weight. It was way easier than what I watched. Plus, I did everything from up top. While the wheels off the ground, just turn the wheel until you have access to the bolts up top on the rag-joint.

[@Motorcycology]

There are certainly a few ways to do this job. I'm happy with the process I used other than I should have taken the steering gear box out earlier and just made the room I needed. For me personally. I didn't want to touch my steering column at all. Next video coming up is part 2 ...the replacement of the steering coupler . Thank you for your comments and sharing your expertise in this area. I appreciated hearing it . Thank you for your support in this channel. J

[@projectpeace]

For what it’s worth, I agree with Jaa. I just did this. It’s much easier to remove the firewall plate that holds the steering column (2 bolts) & loosen the steering support bracket inside the car. (4 bolts); turning the wheel to access the coupler bolts. I highly recommend carefully applying penetrating oil to just the threads of the spline bolts (not the heads). The heads can twist off if the bolts are too rusty. Then you’ve got a real problem.😮

[@racoon126]

I did the same.

[@mogie620]

wow look at the snow!!! i'm in miami so wow. lol. and i was just ordering this!!!!! coincidence

[@Motorcycology]

Still snowing here all this week as well, but only a few week soft this left, then Spring and Summer. Good luck with your C3 work and steering coupler work. J

[@richardhales4404]

Thank you Johnathan! Awesome video! When I get my 1977 C3 project car I’ll know what to do. Keep the videos coming!

[@Motorcycology]

Thanks for you comments and also good luck with all the work that you have planned with your C3. Honestly, I can't wait to get my work done and drive this car again. J

[@RonaldHawes-sr3cr]

Don’t take the steering gear “box” out of the car. Leave the rod on the pitman arm. Remove the three frame to box nuts. Push bolts into frame. Tilt box forward and remove coupling flange from box. Mark box input shaft to help align new part. Remember to reuse copper ground strap that’s stock in the old coupler.

[@senselessmonkee]

Thirty years ago I did this with no instructions in about 3 hours and I think I did it all from top-side. Now I need to replace it again and wonder how I did it so easily the first time.

[@JasonWhite-ke9ln]

Since your pulling the steering box off you should replace it with the borgeson kit part #999032 no more control valve to leak or ram leaks less headache in the long term

[@Motorcycology]

I am thinking about that option 100% and you are correct, now is the best time to switch to a Borgeson kit if ever there was a good time to do so. Tha is for your comments btw, much appreciated.

[@RonaldHawes-sr3cr]

Yes.

[@bryanlewis2867]

Actually my next project on my 78

[@Motorcycology]

I had been putting this particular job off for as long as I could , because it's a bit tricky and felt optional to me, but no question that it was time to put on a new steering coupler/ rag joint and move on to a other job . New spark plug, wires, valve cover gasket, rotor next on the agenda. Good luck with your projects and thank you for your comments. J

[@lancedolan]

@motorcycology how did you get the pitman arm off? I assume you need the special pitman arm puller? You didn't show that come off, it was done off camera it looks like

[@Motorcycology]

I'll look into that. I actually kept the pitman arm on the steering box the entire time and restored them together as one unit. Thanks for watching and your comment. J

[@lancedolan]

@@Motorcycology I'm currently doing this project without taking off my large hooker headers. For anybody in a similar pinch, it's impossible to remove the steering gear box while leaving the pitman arm on. It's also impossible to get the Pittman arm puller over the pitman arm nut without first removing the smaller side of the pitman arm from the sway bar. Remove the crown nut from the smaller side of the pitman arm, so that it can swivel, then remove the bolts from the steering gearbox so that it can drop down a bit, then you'll be able to get the pitman arm puller over the pitman arm nut and remove the pitman arm. Then, with the pitman arm fully removed, you should be able to pull the steering gear box up through the motor bay.
That is absolutely the only way it was going to work for us with large headers

[@Motorcycology]

@@lancedolan That's a lot of work and I'm thankful that I had already taken apart my steering linkages, exhaust , and other things that could potentially get in the way . It's going to be lots of work for you, but take your time and enjoy the process. It's no wonder that these rsg joints / steering couplers don't get changed when they should ...big job all around. Thanks again for watching . J