What steering coupler do I need?

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T-Fish

T-Fish

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I am looking to replace the steering coupler in my car. The car in question is a 1971 Scamp and it has manual steering. I looked them up on a few websites, such as Summit and Mancini, and I kept finding the Borgeson 036425 coupler (and that was the only one offered by Mancini, aside from the FR one) so I figured that is what I need and I ordered it. My buddy says this is what he used for his ‘70 Duster, same basic application. I later noticed in the description on a different website it says something about the Borgeson power steering boxes.

So, did I order the right thing? I’m not looking to do a power steering conversion, I’m fine with manual steering.
 
That doesn't sound like the right one. The Borgeson coupler is for that box only. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think there are 2 types of factory couplers. One for ps, and one for manual. Is your coupler missing? If you still have it, usually all that's needed is the kit to replace the seal, and coupler internal parts.
 
I was able to cancel the order, thankfully.

Mine isn’t missing. I’d be lying if I said I knew what I was talking about when it comes to this, so I’m honestly just going on what I am told. I’ve done a lot of looking on the good ol’ interweb and haven’t found many answers. My buddy is the one that said to change it over. Regardless, I either need to find a direct replacement or a “rebuild” kit. If anyone knows anything and wouldn’t mind assisting with that info, that would be awesome!
 
This is what I have. With some more looking around on here, it appears I may be able to order a Flaming River FR1506M to replace it.

I can drive over to Mega Parts and pick up the rebuild kit. They have them in stock and I live by them.

A42E390E-8F76-4446-999C-6F79F270A213.jpeg
 
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This isn't a hard job. Just a pain lulling the steering column back for access. Mark the position for everything before you diassemble. Pay attention to how the coupler comes apart. The hard part is getting that tin seal retainer to stay in place. Patience is your friend.
I'm wondering what started all this. Play in the steering? Could be the box needs adjusting. Check by moving the steering wheel slightly back, and forth. If the column rotates, but not the coupler, there's your problem. If the column, and coupler rotate together, it means the issue is the steering box.
 
T-Fish said:
This is what I have. With some more looking around on here, it appears I may be able to order a Flaming River FR1503M to replace it.

I can drive over to Mega Parts and pick up the rebuild kit. They have them in stock and I live by them.

View attachment 1715099434
Click to expand...

Flaming River FR1503M will fit but is not a bolt on. Have to shorten the steering columm shaft. And it's expensive... Buy that repair kit.
 
I did read that. It seems you need to cut off anywhere from 3/4” to 1 1/2”.

I’ll just stop at Mega Parts on the way home and grab the rebuild kit.
 
Furyus2, what started it is that the shaft came out of the coupler completely. I got the car Sunday, drove it 200 miles home, and just as I turned into the driveway it pulled out. My friend said replacing it completely would be the best bet and would eliminate potential slop. Like I stated above, I am 100% clueless about how these work and am diving into a cement pool headfirst really. I’m not opposed to spending money on the FR part of its actually a better setup, and I’m not opposed to rebuilding it.
 
The FR setup isn't necessary. The factory design is made so when the car flexes, there's some in and out movement at the coupler. Downloading a factory service manual for your car will help alot. They are on Moparts website. Will have to do a search. It's free.
 
I stopped by Mega Parts and picked up a rebuild kit and a clamp. Works great so far.

818AD920-E958-4CAC-9A6D-9F640744E5CC.jpeg
 
philcollins said:
Look good.
just to be sure, check this:

On the steering columns there is a witness hole in the shaft. The Factory Service Manual specs calls for aligning the center point of the hole 13/16" above the top of the coupler. This measurement ensures that the coupler is centered in the range of travel.

Rebuilding a 1964 Plymouth Steering Coupler
Click to expand...


I assume this is the hole you’re referring to. I haven’t measured it, but I will now. It looks to be close.

D590674E-496B-4A9C-8512-9C0904DAE61E.jpeg
 
I am about to order a steering coupler rebuild kit, and I was wondering if anyone installed a u-joint instead of the factory flex coupler? What are the trade offs? Is it too harsh for mostly just cruising?

Thanks
 
The original style is designed for moving in and out slightly to compensate for chassis flex. You probably should stay with it unless you have to change it. Borgeson makes one with some rubber isolation if you do go that way.
 
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