More rag joint questions

[ximy]

I looked up some very good info on rag joints here:
http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... nt#p389407
and here:
http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =5&t=46981 mine needs replacement 1970 F-250

I am planning on purchasing one from advanceautoparts (32.99) but was wondering if anyone has an opinion or alternative as to the best ragjoint being made

Also, would it be a good idea to remove the brake booster in order to facilitate replacement of the joint?

thanks

xim

[FORDification]

Why not go with NOS parts? The steering coupler (a.k.a. "rag joint") factory part number is C9UZ-3A525-A (which replaces C9TZ-3A525-B and D3TZ-3A525-A). The following dealers have this in stock:

1 in stock
ANTIQUE AUTO SUPPLY
ARLINGTON, TX 76015
(817) 275-2381

3 in stock
WESLEY OBSOLETE PARTS
LIBERTY, KY 42539
(606) 787-5293

[ximy]

Thanks... I'll check it out

[ximy]

I just didn't have the confidence to replace this thing myself... sooo... I took it to my mechanic. He spent a whole day on the beast.. said the joint spline was rust fused to the shaft and had to remove the entire steering column.

When he took the steering column apart the mechanism for the linkage fell apart, so he had to repair that too.. ( I knew something was wrong because it was all sloppy) and he replaced the master cylinder and bled the brakes.. (brakes were falling to the floor at stop signs).

Now my steering is right on!!!! no more play... my brakes are solid and the column shifts into each gear position easily now...

Feels like a totally different truck!!!

I'm glad I didn't try to pursue this myself....and thankful for Clint Eastwood's quote... "A man's got to know his limitations"

[fordman]

he didnt need to take the column apart. ha ha. he just needed to raise it out of the way. the flange isnt rusted on and doesnt have to come off fo rthe install of the rag joint. but i am glad he did do this now he seemed to have fixed your column too.

[ximy]

thanks fordman... I know he tried to install the flange witout removing the power booster.. I told him no-no... he finally had to removed it first...
The part I got included the flange and rag joint .. it was all in assembled in one piece.. I should have taken a picture... a pretty good quality part... It (the old one) was stuck on the steering box side... i dunno... maybe there is a simpler way...

but for $320 I know I saved myself some major headache... and had three major things fixed...
ximy

[fordman]

oh i see what flange you were talking about. the flange on the box side. those are a pain when they are rusted on like that. the column did need to come out then. so he could jerk on the steerign wheel to get it to come off of the steering box splines.