Rag joint

[OldRedFord]

Why did Ford use a rubber joint in the steering shaft like that? I dont think modern trucks have that?

I need a new one, but man they are pricey.


Or in the case of NPD, there out.

[BobbyFord]

It allows movement between the cab-mounted column and the frame-mounted steering box. I've heard guys here say that a rebuilt kit is available with pins and insulator but I've never purchased one.

[69rangerf100]

i know that autozone has the rebuild kits and i think o'rielly's and advanced auto have them to

[fordman]

yeah. i bought one of those rebuild kits. from autozone. it tore the rubber when i was putting it in. they arent any good.

[BobbyFord]

BOTP has coupler for $40

http://www.blueovaltruckparts.com/p-388 ... r-2wd.aspx

[stephen44]

that's a good price - I'm looking for one too - I couldn't tell from the photo - is that both halves & the joint ?

Stephen

[ladykiller]

How do you guys think a steering U-joint would hold up? I've a got a couple off of '90s Fords and one from a Mazda. All I'd have to do is take off the rag joint couplings, slip on the u-joint and tighten the bolts.

[mrtleavitt]

I have an Autozone one for $10!!! Been almost 6 months and no problem. Just go look in the "Help" section. It sure beat LMC's price at $90

[fordman]

that's a good price - I'm looking for one too - I couldn't tell from the photo - is that both halves & the joint ?

Stephen

yes that is the whole rag joint complete. you only get that metal part the botls and the rubber rag joint itself. the rest is already on your column.

[OldRedFord]

BOTP has coupler for $40

http://www.blueovaltruckparts.com/p-388 ... r-2wd.aspx

Hmm would it work on a 72 tho?

EDIT...never mind here is one for 1969-1972.

Wow. $100?

http://www.blueovaltruckparts.com/i-389 ... upler.aspx

I had considerd just cutting out a disc of steel and putting it in there.

How do you guys think a steering U-joint would hold up? I've a got a couple off of '90s Fords and one from a Mazda. All I'd have to do is take off the rag joint couplings, slip on the u-joint and tighten the bolts.

I like this idea. Think you could take some pics of one of the joints?

[knightfire83]

I've used the "Help" brand of replacement rag joints on several '60-'80 trucks and it is a quality product, no problems.

Usually less than $20 at an auto parts store. It comes with new pins, lock washers and nuts.

They use them because there is movement between the cab and frame(rubber cab mounts & frame flex.) This has to be allowed to happen or you will wear out the bearings in the column and steering box, it could also bind up the steering. The rag joint usually fails because of rusted out cab mounts or age.

If your rag joint is worn out, you will have extra play in the steering wheel. This is because there is no solid connection between the steering wheel and the steering box. You would be steering only by the two pin connection between the two, dangerous to say the least.

[hickchemistry07]

Hey ladykiller, I believe the ujoints would work if you do your homework and install it correctly.
Jegs sells a steering shaft with ujoints on both ends: http://www.jegs.com/i/Borgeson/153/0009 ... tId=760624#
And it looks like it has an expansion joint in the middle like the drive shaft on a tractor. I have been thinking about making one like this, because 250 plus s/h is out of my price range.

[BobbyFord]

How about a polyurethane kit for $22?

http://thmotorsports.com/ingalls/ingall ... e=84952-10

[basketcase0302]

expansion joint in the middle

This was the way my 76' Bronco was, made it real easy to do a body lift on it. And handled the roughest chassis twisting you could ever imagine.