Looneybin

i have the motor out on my '86 for head gaskets and several other WYAIT projects and notice that the steering joint looks like it's missing a bushing or something
it's the same on both side of the steering joint, where the bolt has a gap, and there are "horns" around it that looks like it should be holding something
does something go there?

mkhargrove

The nuts don't tighten all the way down so that they touch the rubber. There's a gap where the threads end. If I recall correctly there's only about three threads showing when those are tight

nosnow

Now is the perfect time to deal with those high pressure power steering lines.

GregBBRD

If the rubber coupler falls apart and fails, the "horns" hit the cylindrical stops and the ability to steer the car continues.
Sloppy as hell, but steerable.

Looneybin

That makes sense, it’s an emergency get to the side of the road under control feature
thanks