DUGKOTA

I'm finally going to replace a torn rag joint on my 67 with non-tele steering. I have the bolts on the firewall side of the rag-joint removed, the clamp on the firewall loosened, the column unbolted from underneath and harness unhooked. The column/shaft wiggles around quite a bit but I can't get it back enough to remove the joint. What else am I missing? Thanks!

Nowhere Man

pry the rag joint open a little where the bolt is

JohnZ

Do you have the escutcheon with the two black screws loose that holds the column to the bottom of the cluster?

DUGKOTA

Yes, John I have that loose.

SonnyAK

I left the column alone on my '66 and just removed the bolts from the steering box which made enough room to get mine free. This might be an option if the column won't give you enough movement.
My rag was COMPLETELY shot and the new one made an amazing improvement in the steering tightness! You'll love the change if yours is anywhere near as bad as mine.
Good luck with getting it done

5thvet

Shoot some PB Blaster into that joint a few times and let sit overnight and then try what Nowhere Man recommended. Pry that connector open a little, Its not easy to do, you need a big flat head screwdriver. Mine took quite a while to let loose but finally did.
Don

TCracingCA

Thus for safety and a more positive steering experience etc.. That is what I have always recommended! Throw the rag joints in the trash!

1966STER

I recently removed the rag coupler from my 66 and pretty much did it the same way. I did NOT remove the steering column either, but did loosen the steering shaft clamp and spring near the firewall which allowed me to gain about another inch or so by moving the column and shaft up. I also completely removed both pinch bolts from the coupler and one of the mounting bolts going through the frame, I then replaced the other two mounting bolts with a couple of 1/4" X 4" long carriage bolts with fender washers in order to give me maximum wiggle room which was needed. Important, assuming the centrality of your steering box and the steering wheel were correct to start with, then make sure you retain that position when you put the new rag joint back by marking and maintaining the gear box spline at 12:00 with the wheels and steering wheel good and straight.

Good luck!

DUGKOTA

OK, got it out! Just didn't loosen the firewall clamp enough. Thanks to all!