Rag joint replacement
 

I feel that I need to replace my rag joint and have already purchased the rag joint for my 66 LeMans manual steering. Any suggestions or tips before I start my project?

Just make sure your front tires are straight. Mark the shafts so they'll line up the same as before you took it all apart.

I did mine a few years ago. Bought it thru NPD seeing Ames didn't have one in stock. Solid rubber with a wire mesh in it. Best I've ever seen.

I just replaced the rag joint in my brother's GTO a few days ago while we were replacing other steering parts. The rag joint only fits onto the steering box one way, so there is no way to install that part incorrectly or off-center. You shouldn't need to mark anything.

Basically all you need to do is point your wheels straight, remove the two bolts connecting the rag joint to the steering shaft, then remove the bolts holding the steering box to the frame so that you can push it a little forward to get the old rag joint out and the new one in. Then reinstall the steering box bolts followed by the rag joint bolts.

When replacing the rag joint I found this copper strap which wasn't on the new replacement. Is this a grounding strap for the horn

Yep. Interestingly, I don't see that on a lot of cars... some may do it with internal column grounding I suppose.

George

Is there any advantage or need to try and jerry rig some kind of connector?