Steering Coupler Rebuild "How To"

[Xenon]

Thank you for showing that MoPower.. After being told I was wrong about the smaller pin
I thought when I tgot to my shop on Friday I would pull one out and do as you,,, show that
there IS a smaller pin which is used to keep blocks from sliding out of coupler....

 

[MrMoparCHP]

Again, not all factory housings have the smaller pin, I cannot define the perimeters for those with or without but both do exist.


Alan

 

[MrMoparCHP]

I took a minute and looked into the smaller pin.
The factory parts book shows:
19-15-23 BODY 2766202 (1966) no mention of the pin
19-15-23 BODY 2800705/6 (1967/68) no mention of the pin
19-15-23 BODY 2996856/7 (1969-72) first mention of the pin 1970

The part type code for the big roll pin in the illustrations changed from 19-15-23 to 19-15-35 to 19-15-24 when it went to 24 it replaced the shaft pin? I thing their own parts people were getting confused.

Although the illustrations in the 69 book were the same as the previous books the housing part number was the same as the later years.
According to the parts book it implies that 69 was the first year for the pin, the 69's I've see didn't have it.

Although the 69 parts book had the later housing there was no mention of the pin

The service books first mention it in 1970.


Alan

 

[Onemanop]

Make sure to check the tabs as you go as to not pinch them.
View attachment 277058

Once you have done one side the clamp isn't needed,
View attachment 277059

Wipe it off and it is ready to install, no wire bail needed, this isn't coming apart!
View attachment 277060
View attachment 277061
View attachment 277062

The key to this is prebending the tabs and clamping the assembly TIGHT.


Alan

View attachment 278988 View attachment 278989 View attachment 278990 Thought I’d add a few pics showing the orientation mark and the small dowel pin that was in question.
This is the original coupler from my 1974 Dart Sport I’ve been “restoring”
It is dumb luck I am rebuilding the joint right now!
Like the OP this is the first coupler like this I have rebuilt. Most of the cars I am working on are 1972 and back.
I’d imagine I’ll see this same coupler on my 1978 Monaco ex-cop wagon when I get it all apart.
Great write up!

Ex-cop wagon(?) you have to submit some pictures. That is a very under represented segment of the hobby.

 

[Mopower76]

I took a minute and looked into the smaller pin.
The factory parts book shows:
19-15-23 BODY 2766202 (1966) no mention of the pin
19-15-23 BODY 2800705/6 (1967/68) no mention of the pin
19-15-23 BODY 2996856/7 (1969-72) first mention of the pin 1970

The part type code for the big roll pin in the illustrations changed from 19-15-23 to 19-15-35 to 19-15-24 when it went to 24 it replaced the shaft pin? I thing their own parts people were getting confused.

Although the illustrations in the 69 book were the same as the previous books the housing part number was the same as the later years.
According to the parts book it implies that 69 was the first year for the pin, the 69's I've see didn't have it.

Although the 69 parts book had the later housing there was no mention of the pin

The service books first mention it in 1970.


I’ve restores 1972 back to 1962 A’s, B’s and E’s and this ‘74 is the first I’ve seen that had the smaller pin.


Alan

Ex-cop wagon(?) you have to submit some pictures. That is a very under represented segment of the hobby.

It is definitely unusual, I’ve been dying to find a very original ‘71 Sport Suburban Wagon factory big block with ac and all options. (I’m not askin for much... Black with a Blue interior while we are at it!)
I fell into the ‘78 Monaco, it was at an estate sale sitting in a back yard since 2000-01. The guy was going to part it out!

 

[Mopower76]

Cleaned the fuel system and rebuilt carb and she runs and drives great! (The ac even works!) Wish it was a 440 but the little 360 does fine.
It’s completely untouched, Phoenix PD Used the car until 1999! Unbelievably solid and believe it or not aside from the dash pad and headliner the interior is really nice, even the tan cloth striped seats are growing on me!
I’ve only seen one other wagon cop car.

Sorry MrMoparCHP - I didn’t mean to railroad your thread.
Again, thanks for the great write up and pics.

 

[tbm3fan]

What would be the symptoms one would notice telling them it is time to rebuild the coupler?

 

[Mopower76]

It’s just my opinion but over the years I rebuild every one that comes out, regardless of wear.
I have had a few that were completely worn out. You could move the steering coupler while holding the steering shaft.
This was on my 70 Charger and also on a 69 Dart I had.
The charger had been abused and treated like a “General Lee”. (It’s a wonder it isn’t buckled anywhere.)
The dart had 300k miles on it and was just plane worn out.
In both examples the shaft pin was worn out and the clip had been broken into pieces.
I’m most cases as with this 1974 Dart Sport the rubber end cover was torn and the grease was cooked and almost a solid.

 

[oldmanbob]

Very helpful, thank you for educating us. Great for reference.