Steering coupler seal retaining clamp

[brads70]

Didn't even know this existed. That seal design drives me nuts!   This looks like it would help. I noticed a lot of others have the same problem , thought I'd share this!


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Mopar-2996935-Steering-Coupler-Retaining-Clamp-most-62-80-Dodge-Plymouth-/301416193929?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item462dce1f89

[WildJones]

Brad, I think someone posted this a week or two back and said it doesn't fit for our e bodies. Do a search before spending $, i may have misunderstood.

[burdar]

They just started reproducing these.  They used to be available back in the 70's and 80's. 

How close do the couplers get to the header tubes?  Would these clips interfere?  There is also a redesigned coupler seal that does away with the original metal retainer.  The new seal is larger and slides down over the coupler body.  They aren't cheap though.

[brads70]

They just started reproducing these.  They used to be available back in the 70's and 80's. 

How close do the couplers get to the header tubes?  Would these clips interfere?  There is also a redesigned coupler seal that does away with the original metal retainer.  The new seal is larger and slides down over the coupler body.  They aren't cheap though.

Yes it wouldn't work for me, too close to the header. Post up a link to the new design seal your talking about, someone might find it useful?

Brad, I think someone posted this a week or two back and said it doesn't fit for our e bodies. Do a search before spending $, i may have misunderstood.

Hummm missed it

[roadman5312]

I think another thread said its a real pain to get it on. We got one, probably try install about a month. Still in BODY SHOP JAIL. 

[johns cuda shop]

I just made a tool to crimp the tabs correctly like the factory did 

[Katfish]

I bought 1, but gave up trying to get it on.
If anyone succeeds please post the results.

Granted, I didn't spend a lot of time, but that sucker doesn't just pop on.

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

That metal cap is  a pita.  Have tries several times to crimp. .    Right now it's just on the shaft.  It can't fall off...

[burdar]

Steer and Gear makes the updated seal. #2111
http://www.steerandgear.com/Chrysler_Catalog.html#TXTOBJ7DB1219F302938E1

To get the stock style retainer installed I used two pieces of 1x6.  I drilled a hole in one of the pieces...that piece went on the top side of the coupler.  The uncut piece went on the bottom of the coupler.  I used some C-clamps on the two pieces of 1x6 to hold pressure against the retainer while I used a chisel to bend over the tabs.

[stinger]

mine fits after a little adjusting with a hammer and a vise..

[Topcat]

Put mine on today using 2 C clamps.

[jimynick]

By golly, you're NOT just a pretty face, are you Mike?! That's a great idea! It only took about 4 or 5 of us when we were trying to get Andy's on out in the driveway! I finally had to walk away from it, but your idea has rejuvenated my faith that it can be done.   

[Topcat]

By golly, you're NOT just a pretty face, are you Mike?! That's a great idea! It only took about 4 or 5 of us when we were trying to get Andy's on out in the driveway! I finally had to walk away from it, but your idea has rejuvenated my faith that it can be done.   

Thanks.

The idea came about trying using just one. Then I realized 2 would keep force equal.
Called my friend and said come over with a C clamp since I only had 1.

He helped hold it while we pinched the tabs over helped as well.

[burdar]

To get the stock style retainer installed I used two pieces of 1x6.  I drilled a hole in one of the pieces...that piece went on the top side of the coupler.  The uncut piece went on the bottom of the coupler.  I used some C-clamps on the two pieces of 1x6 to hold pressure against the retainer while I used a chisel to bend over the tabs.

That's basically what I did...except I used wood instead of metal to clamp against.  Be careful and don't clamp too hard.  The first time I did it, I clamped so hard that the retainer cut through the rubber boot.