Installing of a steering coupler / rag joint

Installing of a steering coupler / rag joint on a 1961 Cadillac. I did it in 3 hours by removing the original coupler and drilling out the rivet heads, so I could install a new rubber coupler with replacement bolts. The first thing was to mark with white paint the coupler to the steering shaft and coupler to the gear box. Then mark the two metal parts of the coupler. If not you could put the coupler together 180 out. The next step is to remove the bolt (note size) from coupler to steering box. Remove the 3 bolts from the car frame to the steering box. Don’t remove anything else from the steering box. It will drop down enough to be free of the coupler with all the linkage attached. Note the length of all bolts as to put them back in the same spot. Now remove the bolt from the steering coupler to the steering shaft, noting the length of it. The coupler should now slide down and off (tap on it if it is stuck). Center punch and drill a smaller hole in the 4 rivets heads. Then use a larger size of drill bit to drill only the head off. Use a punch with a socket under the rivet to drive out the rivet. Now reassemble the joint and use the reverse order to install it. Heads up I bought mine off the net for $85.00 to my house. I was told NAPA has them in stock for $11.49 (part #6301012, kit includes 3 3/16th rubber ring and (1) Disc, (4) Nuts, (4) Lock Washers, (2) Studs, (2) Bolts). I hope this help someone.

Nicely done.