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

RAG JOINT HEADACHES

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Old Jan 7, 2012 | 05:30 PM
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MIKES 68 F100's Avatar
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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 .
 
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Old Jan 7, 2012 | 09:51 PM
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I've always used the Azone version on my trucks over the years. Never a problem, seems like they are just like the original.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2012 | 05:03 AM
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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.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2012 | 10:16 AM
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I put a cheap-o from Autozone on mine some years back, no problems.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2012 | 09:01 AM
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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
 
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Old Jan 10, 2012 | 09:38 AM
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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 $$$
 
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 04:37 PM
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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
 
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 09:27 PM
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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.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2012 | 01:25 AM
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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.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2012 | 08:53 AM
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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
 
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Old Jan 16, 2012 | 11:11 AM
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Ok great! I found them now. Thanks for the info!
 
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Old Jan 21, 2012 | 11:36 PM
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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
 
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Old Jan 21, 2012 | 11:59 PM
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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.
 
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 01:07 AM
  #14  
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Thumbs up

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

bird
 
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 02:31 AM
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If you don't want to replace the rag joint see about getting a new vibration damper u-joint from summit.
 
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