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73 charger rubber steering isolator

Started by 1973rallye, September 18, 2014, 11:51:01 PM

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1973rallye

I discovered the source of my sloppy steering was that rubber isolator often mislabeled as a rag joint. On pulling the column it was pretty much in four pieces by the time I got those ridiculous machine Phillips screws and lock nuts off. To my surprise Chrysler stopping making them several years ago which meant either I find something or I have a 3900 lb paper weight in my garage.
Long story short, Bouchillion performance is producing a solid billet one with the same dimensions. So I bought one and installed it with no issues.
Report card on it, steering is tight but it doesn't absorb vibration very well. Feeling the bumps of our crappy roads up through the column.
I know there has been a few threads at different points on this topic with guys looking for replacements on this part so if you are okay with what I described go for it. It was 120 bills.
Having said that Mitchell mopars is selling new originals, I sprung for one and if it lasts another 40 years I doubt I will be driving much at 90.
They are going for 200 so get one while you can, because in my opinion the alternative is a little disappointing.
1973 Rallye 440 4 speed
2016 Challenger r/t Shaker

ODZKing

I posted about this many times somewhere but can't find any of the threads.  Truly a sh**ty design that was 73 only.
Below is what mine looked like when removed. I was suprised I had any steering at all.   :o
I got the replacement from http://www.bouchillonperformance.com/inc/sdetail/1015/1025
It was at the shop, all torn apart and I didn't have time to find other options. So I ordered this. It is EXACTLY the size of a hockey puck. Powder coated aluminum. And my steering id fine but I feel every bump and rattle from the road.
I have seen some fellows get a bunch of the leather rag joints at NAPA and put them together to form a new joint but again I didn't have time to experiment.
At some point I am going to invest in a 74 column and steering set up.  But for now this works just fine.

1973rallye

That was pretty much how mine was Bob. I can tell you that I am not enjoying the feel of every bump in the road. Just notified that my new rubber one shipped today.  With the limited kms I will put on the car, shitty design or not, it should outlast me. I hope! If not I will reinstall the bouchillon piece.
1973 Rallye 440 4 speed
2016 Challenger r/t Shaker

ODZKing

Quote from: 1973rallye on September 19, 2014, 04:56:19 PM
That was pretty much how mine was Bob. I can tell you that I am not enjoying the feel of every bump in the road. Just notified that my new rubber one shipped today.  With the limited kms I will put on the car, shitty design or not, it should outlast me. I hope! If not I will reinstall the bouchillon piece.
Where did you get the rubber one from?

73rallye

EBay.  Search 73 charger rag joint. AMS obsolete aka Frank Mitchell   200 bills

ODZKing

Quote from: 73rallye on September 19, 2014, 09:13:07 PM
EBay.  Search 73 charger rag joint. AMS obsolete aka Frank Mitchell   200 bills
Wow, yeah I see it.  Another one of the new styles on there as well.
Le us know how you make out.