Notices
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

RAG JOINT HEADACHES

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 7, 2012 | 05:30 PM
  #1  
MIKES 68 F100's Avatar
MIKES 68 F100
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 54
From: Antelope Valley ,CA
Angry RAG JOINT HEADACHES

so i noticed my steering coupler (rag joint) was wasted , i searched and found the threads on how to replace it and which ones are good and which are garbage. i decided to go with rock auto part #202 came with the metal coupler and rag joint for $20.00
LOOKED like a decent quality piece , the coupler was pinched from the factory so i decide to spread it a little crack snap , yup in two with a big screw driver .
glad i didn't install this p.o.s. and have it fail on the road
truck was already apart so i had to run to autozone and get the $7.99 rag joint kit reused my original coupler and everything is fine steering is nice and tight now .
just wanted to share so others don't order that part.
now time to give rock auto an ear full .
 
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2012 | 09:51 PM
  #2  
Freightrain's Avatar
Freightrain
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 11
From: Ohio
Club FTE Silver Member

I've always used the Azone version on my trucks over the years. Never a problem, seems like they are just like the original.
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2012 | 05:03 AM
  #3  
NumberDummy's Avatar
NumberDummy
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 778
From: Simi Valley, CA
Club FTE Gold Member
C6TZ-3A525-A .. Steering Coupler / Obsolete

Applications: 1966 F100/250 2WD from serial number 900,001 / 1967/68 F100/250 2WD & F350.

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has 50 = 800-543-4959.
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2012 | 10:16 AM
  #4  
Chevy_Eater's Avatar
Chevy_Eater
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 16
I put a cheap-o from Autozone on mine some years back, no problems.
 
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2012 | 09:01 AM
  #5  
MIKES 68 F100's Avatar
MIKES 68 F100
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 54
From: Antelope Valley ,CA
sunday i was cleaning up the garage and took a good look at the old rag joint good thing i replaced it both bolt holes were completely ripped , so only thing making the turn were the safety studs ! scarey stuff
 
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2012 | 09:38 AM
  #6  
MIKES 68 F100's Avatar
MIKES 68 F100
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 54
From: Antelope Valley ,CA
follow up on rock auto defective part
sent Rock auto an email about part failure and how to go about returning it for credit .
here's their response to my email
"I'm sorry the steering coupler failed. We'll refund you for the cost of the order and you may dispose of the broken part as you see fit. We'll notify you by email when the refund has been issued.

I apologize for the inconvenience this caused,

Karl
RockAuto Customer Service


Wow gotta say that's good customer service , no headaches or questions .
already got my credit to $$$
 
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2012 | 04:37 PM
  #7  
FordHarleyTexas's Avatar
FordHarleyTexas
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
C6TZ-3A525-A .. Steering Coupler / Obsolete

Applications: 1966 F100/250 2WD from serial number 900,001 / 1967/68 F100/250 2WD & F350.

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has 50 = 800-543-4959.

Bill,

Do you have the part number for a '69 F-100.....
I have the same problem with my coupler.

Thanks,
Jerry
 
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2012 | 09:27 PM
  #8  
73FordF100's Avatar
73FordF100
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 842
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Originally Posted by MIKES 68 F100
truck was already apart so i had to run to autozone and get the $7.99 rag joint kit reused my original coupler and everything is fine steering is nice and tight now .
Do you happen to know what exactly this kit is called or a part number? I looked it up on their website and it doesn't have anything like this. I'm looking to replace or repair the rag joint on my '73. I'm thinking this kit would work for my truck as well. Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2012 | 01:25 AM
  #9  
72BigBlue's Avatar
72BigBlue
New User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
I've got to say, dealing with Rock Auto has been a pleasure. It's also has such an easy to use website...well organized, easy to search. The way they handled the defective part only reinforces my opinion of them. Hope you will consider them again in the future.
I found a rag joint coupler repair kit at NAPA by chance, while waiting in a long checkout line. Was hanging on a rack in a blister pack, nice squishy rubber, lots of extra hardware. Check it out if others don't have it.
 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2012 | 08:53 AM
  #10  
MIKES 68 F100's Avatar
MIKES 68 F100
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 54
From: Antelope Valley ,CA
autozones web site is messed up , if you clear your vehicles and just search for "steering coupler" it will find them . but with a vehicle chosen it will not find them .
they have three #1 is the one i bought and worked great on my 68
1. dorman #31000 /705-060-s $7.99
2. dorman #31005 /705-061-s $10.99
3. help #31002 $10.99
 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2012 | 11:11 AM
  #11  
73FordF100's Avatar
73FordF100
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 842
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Ok great! I found them now. Thanks for the info!
 
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2012 | 11:36 PM
  #12  
birdhaus's Avatar
birdhaus
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Madison, MS
I'm about to replace my rag joint (steering coupler) on my 65 2wd, It literally crumbled to pieces and I limped home on the safety pins.
I have the replacement joint, and started to to jump into the project, but it looks as if the steering column has to be pulled. Before I go hog wild and turn an easy job into a major project, where can I find step by step instructions for this project? I've read comments from it being 30 minute job, to a "bear" ???

thanks
 
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2012 | 11:59 PM
  #13  
Chevy_Eater's Avatar
Chevy_Eater
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 16
It doesn't have to be pulled, completely. Remove the bolts that hold it to the dash, loosen the clamp/flange where it passes through the firewall and you will be able to pull the column up far enough to replace the rag joint.
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2012 | 01:07 AM
  #14  
birdhaus's Avatar
birdhaus
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Madison, MS
Thumbs up

Thank you sir. Not as bad as I imagined it might be. (famous last words)

bird
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2012 | 02:31 AM
  #15  
mjshagnasty's Avatar
mjshagnasty
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Kempner/Waco, TX
If you don't want to replace the rag joint see about getting a new vibration damper u-joint from summit.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:52 AM.