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Technical Universal / Rag joint head scratcher

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by AGELE55, Dec 15, 2020.

  1. AGELE55
    Joined: Jan 4, 2018
    Posts: 669

    AGELE55
    Member

    Yes. I counted splines, but now I'm wondering if it was the right package with the wrong universal? I verified the p/n on the package but can't say I ever physically verified the p/n on the joint itself. Also I measured the ID with a dial caliper and came up 1/64" short. Borgeson rep said the caliper probably wasn't seating all the way, but now I'm wondering.
    I just ordered a new one. Fingers crossed.
     
  2. nobby
    Joined: Jan 8, 2006
    Posts: 1,358

    nobby
    Member

    did the 605 exist prior to 1978
     
    Lloyd's paint & glass likes this.
  3. AGELE55
    Joined: Jan 4, 2018
    Posts: 669

    AGELE55
    Member

    ?? I don't follow ya..
     
  4. seb fontana
    Joined: Sep 1, 2005
    Posts: 9,210

    seb fontana
    Member
    from ct

    Checked for joint, found stuff I should throw out, so no help.
     
    AGELE55 likes this.
  5. seb fontana
    Joined: Sep 1, 2005
    Posts: 9,210

    seb fontana
    Member
    from ct

    According to above list it started in '78. I took one out of a '78 Lemans.
     
  6. AGELE55
    Joined: Jan 4, 2018
    Posts: 669

    AGELE55
    Member

    Update:
    I ordered and received a second Borgeson universal on the off chance the first one was mis-packaged or mis-made. No joy. Close examination makes me think the universal and gearbox are both 3/4-30 spline, but with zero tolerance. It’s like a force fit application.

    I surrender. I cannot find a universal to fit, but rag joints do fit because they have a little give, but can’t find one with a smaller overall diameter.

    Today I will piece together parts from three different rag joints a make a Frankenstein to do the job.
     
    seb fontana likes this.
  7. Lloyd's paint & glass
    Joined: Nov 16, 2019
    Posts: 10,894

    Lloyd's paint & glass
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    My 57 has a 605 box on it and it's coming off. Based solely on what I've learned about them from this joint and tri five.com. i don't want headaches just to have power steering. From what I've been taught by the tri five gurus of the world, buy the borgeson box.
     
  8. Happydaze
    Joined: Aug 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,389

    Happydaze
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Sounds strange. It might not be of any help but Maval Unisteer list universals which have a split in the body and a pinch bolt .
    They list a mul***ude of joints.

    Chris

    Sent from my SM-T515 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
    AGELE55 likes this.
  9. It is a good thing that you posted your problem, because I have a tilt column with the rag coupling that I am intending to install on my Cameo. Now, I'll know where to look for the parts I need.
    At this point, I am still planning to stick with my 57 steering box, because it is still in excellent condition. I am also planning to install the older, ram type steering ***ist, that was used on the early trucks and the Corvettes. I have all the parts, but I have to make an adapter to mount the hydraulic pump.
    Bob
     
    AGELE55 likes this.
  10. RMR&C
    Joined: Dec 26, 2009
    Posts: 4,953

    RMR&C
    Member
    from NW Montana

    AGELE55 likes this.
  11. BamaMav
    Joined: Jun 19, 2011
    Posts: 6,969

    BamaMav
    Member Emeritus
    from Berry, AL

    Chevy Astro vans have a shaft with two U joints in it that might work for you.
     
    AGELE55 likes this.
  12. I've installed a few where I had to tap them on. Wasn't a slip fit, wasn't a press. Somewhere in between .
     
    seb fontana and AGELE55 like this.
  13. AGELE55
    Joined: Jan 4, 2018
    Posts: 669

    AGELE55
    Member

    Lol..I definitely exceeded the threshold for “tapping“ it on.
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2021
  14. AGELE55
    Joined: Jan 4, 2018
    Posts: 669

    AGELE55
    Member

    The only thing that fits the 605 box so far is a pinch bolt rag joint, but of course, it’s unobtainable in the smaller diameter with the correct spline combo.

    I have begun building my own rag joint. I’ll update later today.
     
  15. AGELE55
    Joined: Jan 4, 2018
    Posts: 669

    AGELE55
    Member

    Final solution-
    I scavenged a pinch bolt fitting from a
    3 3/8" rag joint with the correct spline count and welded the holes closed. I redrilled the holes to fit a 2 3/4" rag joint with the correct spline count on the other side. I then ground off the outer diameter to fit inside it's new home.
    Sounds pretty easy, but took me a while to get here.
    Still don't understand why the Borgeson parts don't fit, but life goes on and I need my shoebox back on the road.
     

    Attached Files:

    seb fontana, Algoma56 and RMR&C like this.
  16. lostone
    Joined: Oct 13, 2013
    Posts: 3,626

    lostone
    Member
    from kansas

    Great job at actual backyard hot rodding at its finest!!

    Back to its roots, seriously I love watching people actually figure out a problem, build the parts, install it and make it work!

    Great job!
     
    RMR&C and AGELE55 like this.
  17. That will work! Good thinking.
     
  18. seb fontana
    Joined: Sep 1, 2005
    Posts: 9,210

    seb fontana
    Member
    from ct

    Glad you built the solution! Don't shoot me but I just found a 2-1/2" rag jiont that fits a 605! Actually 2.. I posted the other day that I looked, and I did; right at them but didn't see them..o_O
     
    AGELE55 likes this.
  19. AGELE55
    Joined: Jan 4, 2018
    Posts: 669

    AGELE55
    Member

    Oh sure....NOW you find them...lol
     
  20. seb fontana
    Joined: Sep 1, 2005
    Posts: 9,210

    seb fontana
    Member
    from ct

    **** I do the same for myself!!
     

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