Steering Coupler ( rag Joint )

[mwaller5672]

Any trick getting this thing off. I need to replace the rag joint. 89 2.3
Mike

[mwaller5672]

One question. I was taking off the clamp on the rack and pinion when removing the coupler. Is there a pin in this or is the end just srewed up. I know I didn't need to take this off but I cut the bolt so now I need to take it off. Hey I am new at this.
Mike

[mwaller5672]

so nobody has ever done this

[Black Horse]

At the rack there is a clamp bolt. If you remove the bolt you can pop the steering shaft off the rack post (may take a bit of careful prying). Some Kroil (or other penetrate) will be your friend. Maximum Motorsports sells a replacement steering shaft with a universal joint, it gets rid of the "slop" in your steering due to the rag joint.

[mwaller5672]

Thank You. What I did was break the bolt off trying to get it out. Now it is sticking in the groove on the shaft that the bolt rides in. I tried spreading the clamp without success. I was thinking about drilling it out. Not sure what I will do. It moves up and down but it wont come off. Is there someplace I can get just the clamp. If so I will cut it through the back and it will fall off.
Mike

[Black Horse]

The clamp bolt goes through a notch in the steering rack post. Your best bet might be to drill out the bolt or try to back it out with an easy-out.

You might need to destroy what you need to and go pick up a whole steering shaft assembly at the junkyard or from someone on here that may have some spare parts.