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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

steering coupler disk question

Old Sep 30, 2011 | 02:15 PM
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steering coupler disk question

It disconnected and this metal piece is all bent up and I'm not sure how to take the rubber disk off, and put it back together. I can send picture to someones email I can post them from my phone. The truck is a 1980 f150 302
 
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Old Sep 30, 2011 | 08:34 PM
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Here's a picture.
AutoZone.com Repair Guide Image

Autozone sells the disc under part number 31002 or 31000
 
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 04:49 AM
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FYI, this is called a 'rag joint'
 
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 05:10 AM
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Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
FYI, some people call it a 'rag joint' because the Ford description is a mouthful.
E0TZ-3A525-A .. Coupling-Steering Gear Input Shaft to Steering Column Shaft.

1980 F100/350 & Bronco with P/S / 1981 F100/350 & Bronco with P/S before 2/1981.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E0TZ-3A525-B .. Coupling-Steering Gear Input Shaft to Steering Column Shaft.

1980 F100/350 with M/S / 1981 F100/350 with M/S before 2/81.

Not available after 2/81, only furnished with the 3B676 Lower Steering Shaft and Coupler Assy.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 05:16 AM
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Bill,
I was not aware of the Ford nomenclature for this flex coupling, but if you were to walk into the auto parts store and say that you need to replace the "rag joint" at least they would know what you were talking about.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 08:32 AM
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Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
Bill,
I was not aware of the Ford nomenclature for this flex coupling, but if you were to walk into the auto parts store and say that you need to replace the "rag joint" at least they would know what you were talking about.
The HELP! people are the ones that carry this in the parts stores. The call it a "Steering Coupling Disc". It took me awhile to find it, and "rag joint" doesn't work, even though everyone knows what that means. Those part numbers work also in the autozone search box.

I seem to recall some guys on here using this HELP! part, and they may have had to drill the holes out a little bigger to make it work.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 08:37 AM
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I have used the Dorman (HELP!) product and had to use some low headed bolts and Nyloc jamb (shallow) nuts instead of the rivets to install it IIRC.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 11:45 AM
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I asked for rag joint and they didn't know what it was. But any way I'm looking for a way to fix it please. Still haven't figure out the broken metal piece.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by NumberDummy
E0TZ-3A525-A .. Coupling-Steering Gear Input Shaft to Steering Column Shaft / Obsolete

Applications: 1980 F100/350 & Bronco with P/S / 1981 F100/350 & Bronco with P/S before 2/1981.

LAST MSRP: $77.17 / Dealer net cost: $46.30.

BAYER FORD in Comanche TX has ONE = 325-356-2777.

MARTIN FORD SALES in Union Grove WI has ONE = 262-878-1241.

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has ONE = 800-543-4959.

AUTOS VEGA in San Juan Puerto Rico has ONE = 787-782-4030.

No other FoMoCo Dealer, or obsolete parts vendor has any.
------------------------------------------------------------------
E0TZ-3A525-B .. Coupling-Steering Gear Input Shaft to Steering Column Shaft / Obsolete

Applications: 1980 F100/350 with M/S / 1981 F100/350 with M/S before 2/81.

Last MSRP: $62.35 // Dealer net cost: $37.41.

PIONEER FORD in Groton SD has ONE = 605-397-2311.

GREEN SALES CO. has ONE.

MANDERBACH FORD in Temple PA has ONE = 810-929-3683.

HIGH BUCK!! BOB ALLEN FORD in Overland Park KS has ONE = 800-676-0675.

BAYER FORD has TWO.
No other FoMoCo Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 02:35 PM
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Can you post a picture of what's broken?
Originally Posted by Ohydro91
I asked for rag joint and they didn't know what it was. But any way I'm looking for a way to fix it please. Still haven't figure out the broken metal piece.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2011 | 08:31 PM
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I'm not sure how to from a phone. I can email you a picture.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2011 | 10:42 AM
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The rag joint I got to replace mine was a different size although listed for the application. I probably could have modified the shaft to make it work, but I opted to go with a solid steering shaft with a ujoint. Tighter steering and more road feel... Better than a rag joint. I might have ordered it from LMC, I forget.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2011 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by cadunkle
The rag joint I got to replace mine was a different size although listed for the application. I probably could have modified the shaft to make it work, but I opted to go with a solid steering shaft with a ujoint. Tighter steering and more road feel... Better than a rag joint. I might have ordered it from LMC, I forget.
Do you get more noise coming from the steering wheel? That's the main reason the disc is in there, to eliminate the hydraulic hissing noise from the power steering box and system coming up through the column.

I believe Borgeson does make a u-joint with rubber made into it for the same reason.
 
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Old Oct 2, 2011 | 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Franklin2
Do you get more noise coming from the steering wheel? That's the main reason the disc is in there, to eliminate the hydraulic hissing noise from the power steering box and system coming up through the column.

I believe Borgeson does make a u-joint with rubber made into it for the same reason.
There is some more noise, but it's a truck not a Lincoln. The increased durability, more responsive steering, and better road feel more than make up for it.
 
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