Lane Ranger 11,410 #1 Posted August 30, 2016 (edited) I am trying to attach the steering block to the RJ steering wheel that I am restoring. he block uses a 3/16 x 1 1/4 inch roll pin thru the end of the steering wheel after it is aligned in the top hole of the steering block. However this rests above the RJ tie rod in front and between the frame-a very narrow space to work in! Anyone know the secret for installing the roll pin in the steering wheel and block under the front of the hood and above the flat tie rod ???? My block and steering rod line up perfectly and I can get the roll pin aligned on the side of the steering block I just can't get any leverage to move that pin into the steering wheel hole for the pin PS: In this photo the rod on the block was backwards -so I found out in the manual and looking at one of my other RJ's! It was corrected before placing on the steering wheel end. Edited August 31, 2016 by Lane Ranger 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,180 #2 Posted August 31, 2016 (edited) There should be a 3/4" lock collar on the shaft which goes between the steering wheel and the hood stand. I have also seen these located right above the bushing in the frame too. This is what keeps the shaft in place. Loosen that lock collar and slide the shaft down through the frame. Attach the block, slide the shaft back up and use that lock collar to hold it in place. You can download the manual and the IPL will show the collar #74 right below the steering wheel. Easier to attach the steering rod after the block is attached to the shaft, as well as all the other steering parts too Edited August 31, 2016 by wallfish 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 11,410 #3 Posted August 31, 2016 (edited) John: I have the 3/4 lock collar and I have it above the lower bushing which is welded to the frame. It is loose and can slide up if the steering wheel is lifted out of the lower bushing. But the steering block attaches at the lower end of the steering wheel shaft and below the lower bushing (at least that is the way it was originally and the way it is on two other RJ's I have.. I may not be understanding how you are using the lock collar but I can get the steering wheel shaft in the steering wheel shaft below the lower bushing with no problem. I just can;t get enough room to allow placing the roll pin through the block and steering wheel shaft. Edited August 31, 2016 by Lane Ranger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 11,410 #4 Posted August 31, 2016 Here are some photos which show a little more detail The first two photos shows the locking collar above the lower bushing welded into the RJ frame. The locaking collar is loose on the shaft and I was going to install just above the lower bushing. The second two photos show the steering wheel shaft in the steering block under the welded bushing and in between the side angles iron pieces of the RJ frame. The final two photos show the roll pin started in the right side of the steering block under the frame and below the lower steering wheel bushing.. I just have not figured out how to get under the frame to hammer in that roll pin ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,509 #5 Posted August 31, 2016 Can you not remove the drag link from the pitman arm and rotate the steering to the right>? That should put the roll pin to the bottom where you can get a swat at it. Garry 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 11,410 #6 Posted August 31, 2016 (edited) Garry: When looking at these pictures this am I just thought that may be the way to do it! The Pittman arm (flat rod that runs between the two wheel shafts ?) has the pin on the left side that I can remove and get the block in a downward position that I can get a better shot at wacking the roll pin with a small hammer! Thank you for the idea. I will try this this morning. If need be I can take the tie rod out too. I guess I should try raising the fronton jack stands too to get some better clearance! Thank you for the suggestions! Edited August 31, 2016 by Lane Ranger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 11,410 #7 Posted August 31, 2016 Wow it is amazing what a fresh look in the am does for your mind and madness! After Garry and John's replies were looked at ths am , two cups of coffee and a rearrangement of the front end (on jack stands) I could see the light and wondered why I did not turn the steering wheel and steering block so I could get a wack at the roll pin last night! I had to get the Nikon camera out to take pictures after it took me only 5 minutes to install the roll pin with the block position as you see it (with enough clearance to get a good angle on the roll pin with a small hammer) These pictures tell the story! Thanks Red Square ! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACman 7,655 #8 Posted August 31, 2016 (edited) Good to see your problem is solved , like you said fresh eyes and a nights rest, is all it takes (a couple cups of Joe don't hurt either) . I've learned patients is the key and frustration leads to nothing good . Edited August 31, 2016 by ACman 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,073 #9 Posted August 31, 2016 22 minutes ago, ACman said: Good to see your problem is solved , like you said fresh eyes and a nights rest, is all it takes (a couple cups of Joe don't hurt either) . I've learned patients is the key and frustration leads nothing good . That is so true. My Dad taught me that. Especially when you're working on something as a hobby. He told me to just walk away and think about it for a day or two and come back to it. I just went through that putting a shotgun back together last night. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites