Folks,
I screwed up, big time.
When my car burned, the steering coupler (rag joint) melted pretty good. During tear-down, it was thrown away. However, now realize that I also tossed out the flange that the replacement rag joint bolts to.
This the the one with the “D” shaped socket that slides over the lower steering shaft.
Tilt column only item.
Anyone have a spare? My project is stuck without it.
PM with price, be gentle.
You could keep your eyes open for a late 60’s to late 70s Lincoln, or full size Mercury or Ford with a tilt. they use the same one. Sorry to hear you lost the original one.
Thanks Neal! That helps a LOT.
The rubber coupler disc melted all over the place, and disguised the fact that the flange was separate from the coupler.
That’s the last time I toss something without careful inspection!
I had a look in the L-M MPC for the p/n’s related to the steering shaft coupler ( ‘rag joint’ ) and it would appear that the only one
of the first generation of Cougar that used a non-“F” body style rag joint was the non-tilt '69 Cougar ( it was a C7AZ-3A525-A ).
All the other tilt wheels 1969 / 70 used C7ZZ-3A525-A or before 11/4-68 used a C5AZ-C ( again a non-“F” body-specific type of part ).
For the 71-73 Cougars, again used a Mustang Service Number : D1ZZ-3A525-B ( tilt ) and non-tilt specified the suffix “A”.
So it looks like you’re going to be needing a donor replacement from another Cougar or Mustang, or West Coast Classic ( in stock - not sure ? ) or NPD shows one for sale ( but it indicates used for BOTH the D1ZZ-A and B ( not sure how that can be - kind of ‘iffy’ in my opinion ? )
Here is an interesting discussion ( 7173Mustangs.com ) regarding options when faced with a hard-to-replace tilt rag joint in a 71-73 “F” body : https://7173mustangs.com/threads/need-asap-ia-rag-joint-for-the-tilt-column-for-my-wifes-surprize-resto.28804/
1971-73 tilt rag joints are different than 1967-70 versions. The diameter of the shaft on the 1971-73 steering boxes is larger. So, the rag joint is different on the splined end.
It is possible to use a fixed column, lower shaft, in a tilt column of any year other than 1967. This will allow the use of a common fixed column rag joint from either 1967-70 or (in the original posters case) a 1971-73 fixed rag joint.
That’s great to know. I don’t know why Ford changed the design of the lower shaft between fixed and tilt. I do like the fixed column flange design better - so maybe I’ll use one.
Many thanks for looking into this for me. Very big help!
Tom
The two piece, or collapsible shafts, were connected at a predetermined length. White plastic was injected to connect the two pieces. About the thickness of a toothpick. The holes are in both pieces of the shafts. This is a shear point if a severe enough accident occurs. The shafts slide together and the accordion portion of the tubes collapse.
On fixed steering columns, the shafts are loaded from the bottom when built. Tilt columns, because of the knuckles had to be assembled from the top. No way to accomplish this task from the bottom without separating the two piece shafts.
Ugh,
Just when I think I understand the problem, I don’t.
Here is the engine side of my tilt column.
For the life of me, I don’t know exactly what connects this D-shaped shaft to the rag joint. I bought a '74 Lincoln rag joint from a tilt column, but it doesn’t look like it will securely connect to this shaft on my column.
What EXACTLY am I missing? Is there an adapter of some kind? Another shaft that slips over this one?
Very sorry for the repetitive question, but the '71 shop manual and MPC don’t provide enough detail for me to figure it out.
Pictures would be helpful, a diagram, anything.
The tilt rag joint connects to that D shaped end of the lower end of your tilt column.
gyrhead,
PM me for more help with this.
Indeed these are the most pesky of pesky pieces to find!!! VERY FEW other cars in the Ford line up used this steering box shaft size. In the 1971-1973 time frame. After 73, Ford dropped the shaft dimension and went back to the larger size…negating need for different parts doing the same thing…
After years of searching, I found a half-butt solution with a new part that a company released. It is not without issue however, but it would work to fix your problem. I need to dig out my notes… The ONLY special piece on the rag joint for 71-73’s is the piece that bolts to the steering box, and you stated that you tossed yours. Bummer. But, I think there may be a Chevy solution or a hybird…which I asked the manufacturer to consider making…in which I was told something to the effect of “if I wanted to order a hundred thousand of these” that I could get them made…which as basically “piss off, we’re the big company and you don’t know what your talking about!” I was also told that they are selling thousands of them…yah right…you have a minimum “dealer” purchase of a thousand probably! Hmmmmm, I rebuild rare steering columns and identify a problem/potential sales with a rare market part, and a solution for them that could be addressed using parts already produced…and you tell me to get lost? Well, forget you too!!!
SO, there is a solution still…but it isn’t without it’s issues still…but they are minor. Your “top” marking on your center shaft, that you would normally line up with the mark in the steering wheel, will no longer line up. I think it would be off by 90 degrees if my grey matter serves me correctly. This doesn’t affect operation, only steering wheel “markings” from lining up!
Cheers!
Steve
Thank you Steve,
For now, I think the problem is solved. I found a coupler that bolts up perfectly. However, I’m intrigued by alternate solutions. Will PM later…
Tom
