Steering column advice
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I can find the bearing if you need one, but where is the rag joint on your truck? I didn't see any evidence of one in the pics you posted.
Parts catalog only lists it for 1978/79: F100/350 2WD's and F150 4WD's and Bronco's.
Parts catalog only lists it for 1978/79: F100/350 2WD's and F150 4WD's and Bronco's.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
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I thought that part 3B676-B was the rag joint? I guess it isn't then. So is all that part is is just some sort of bearing to allow the shaft to pivot? I guess that is why the replacement Borgeson shaft has two u-joints on it.
So, I need a new shaft for sure to fix that part and then 3D681 will fix the rest of the slop on the other end, right?
That's why I'm here asking questions.
So, I need a new shaft for sure to fix that part and then 3D681 will fix the rest of the slop on the other end, right?
That's why I'm here asking questions.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
No, basic p/n 3A525 is the rag joint. Your truck doesn't use one. It uses a trunion type joint on the lower part of the shaft where it connects to the steering box this part isn't available separately. The 3B676 is the complete shaft assy. This is the only way it's available.
The Borgeson shaft replaces this entire assy. between the steering box and steering column.
The Borgeson shaft replaces this entire assy. between the steering box and steering column.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The rag joint is shown in the parts catalog pic (basic part number 3A525 - post 5) because it's a general pic that applies to ALL 1978/79 F150/250 4WD's, 1979 F350 4WD's.
But when you look up the actual part number in the text section, only F150 4WD's have the rag joint listed, there are none listed for F250/350 4WD's.
I looked at the pics the OP posted (post 6), there is no evidence of a rag joint on his '79 F250 4WD, so why would he assume his truck has one? It does not have one...period.
The problem with the internet is, you cannot be there in person, raise the hood, point to the parts and say this is what you need.
One has to rely on the parts catalog pic. Even though I said TWICE that 3B676 is the lower steering shaft and coupler assy (posts 7 & 9), the parts catalog pic shows it plain as day...
From what I just read in post 18, the OP is still is unaware.
(sigh)
But when you look up the actual part number in the text section, only F150 4WD's have the rag joint listed, there are none listed for F250/350 4WD's.
I looked at the pics the OP posted (post 6), there is no evidence of a rag joint on his '79 F250 4WD, so why would he assume his truck has one? It does not have one...period.
The problem with the internet is, you cannot be there in person, raise the hood, point to the parts and say this is what you need.
One has to rely on the parts catalog pic. Even though I said TWICE that 3B676 is the lower steering shaft and coupler assy (posts 7 & 9), the parts catalog pic shows it plain as day...
From what I just read in post 18, the OP is still is unaware.
(sigh)
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Senior User
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I'm now aware that it isn't a rag joint. I've never torn into the steering on anything before because I never had needed too. By post 18 I knew that it wasn't a rag joint. That's why I asked if it was there to pivot and act like a u-joint. Now I understand what that part is there for and that the Borgeson shaft with replace that part.
So a new shaft will fix the slop in the shaft at the gear box, but even with a new shaft it's more then likely going to have play at the top because I need to do something about the bearing assembly in the column.
So a new shaft will fix the slop in the shaft at the gear box, but even with a new shaft it's more then likely going to have play at the top because I need to do something about the bearing assembly in the column.
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There's some discussion on the same (similar?) part over on this thread: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...l#post11690641
I checked LMC and their shafts were in the $350 range. If spending that kind of money I think the Borgeson shafts are a better upgrade, and they cost less. I haven't ordered one yet. I could be wrong...
I checked LMC and their shafts were in the $350 range. If spending that kind of money I think the Borgeson shafts are a better upgrade, and they cost less. I haven't ordered one yet. I could be wrong...
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
There's some discussion on the same (similar?) part over on this thread: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...l#post11690641
The lower steering shaft and couplers used on 1966 F100 4WD's, 1967/75 F100/250 4WD's are composed of over 15 parts, some of them were available separately.
1976/79 F100/250 4WD, 1979 F350 4WD: The steering shaft and couplers used on these trucks are totally different and are a ONE PIECE ASSEMBLY / No parts were ever available individually
Freshman User
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I saw the post above and since Green Sales told me the D8TZ-3B676-A replaced the D5TZ-3B676-B which per your thread "...replaced: C7TZ-3B676-A & B; C9TZ-3B676-A & B; D1TZ-3B676-A & B; D2TZ-3B676-A & B...".
I thought that would mean the new, complete shaft replaced the complete shaft for both model ranges (both the multi-part and single assy). Sorry if I'm mistaken or was given bad info by Green Sales.
Regardless, it costs as much as the better Borgeson shaft, so unless someone wants an OEM restoration, I would assume the older shaft (D8TZ) isn't as desirable?
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
My 1994 O-S-I catalog says: D5TZ-3B676-B = NR = NOT-REPLACED = OBSOLETE!
So it was never replaced by any other part number.
'Course I knew that without looking, cuz D5TZ-3B676-B, the lower steering shaft and coupler used on 1967/75 F100/250 4WD is composed of parts that can be replaced, but...
1976/79's are ONE PIECE ASSEMBLIES. FoMoCo never offered any individual parts for them, you had to buy the whole enchilada.
> > D9TZ-3B676-A (replaced D8TZ-3B676-A & D8TZ-3B676-C) .. Lower Steering Shaft & Coupler Assy = 1978/79: Bronco & F150 4WD except Super Cab. < <
Do you recall the name of the IDIOT at Green Sales that gave you this CRAP info? Lemme know, I'll call the owner (Tim Youmans-I've dealt with him for over 30 years) and read him the riot act for hiring an IDIOT!
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Well, I'm not trying to start up an issue here. Sorry for that..
To be specific, Green Sales told me my P/N D2TZ-3B676-B was superseded several times and ultimately replaced by D8TZ-3B676-A. He said they have those in stock. I assumed the D5TZ was in the superseded string.
(Backs out the door and closes it)
To be specific, Green Sales told me my P/N D2TZ-3B676-B was superseded several times and ultimately replaced by D8TZ-3B676-A. He said they have those in stock. I assumed the D5TZ was in the superseded string.
(Backs out the door and closes it)
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
To be specific, Green Sales told me my P/N D2TZ-3B676-B was superseded several times and ultimately replaced by D8TZ-3B676-A.
BS!He said they have those in stock. (It will not work, it's the WRONG
one, it's a ONE PIECE ASSEMBLY!) I assumed the D5TZ was in the superseded string.But did I say that D5TZ-3B676-B was replaced? No, I did not, because...
D5TZ-3B676-B was OBSOLETED in 1994, so it wasn't replaced by anything!
So what the IDIOT at Green Sales told you, was wild mule p!ss!
Did the IDIOT say that D8TZ-3B676-A had been replaced? No, but I did...I also listed its ONLY applications...see post 26.
And, btw; C7TZ-A/B, C9TZ-A/B, D2TZ-A/B, D5TZ-3B676-B uses a splined clamp and thru bolt = to the input shaft of the steering gear box.
D9TZ-(was D8TZ)-3B676-A uses a splined steel/rubber coupling (aka rag joint). It bolts to the lower flange of the ONE PIECE steering shaft and coupler assy, clamps onto the input shaft.
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Senior User
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Okay, I tore it all apart today and got the shaft and column out of the truck. I need a new steering shaft and am having one built for the truck. The only other problem with my steering is I need to replace that white bushing that holds the bearing at the end of the column(part number 3D681).
I need the entire assembly. The white plastic bushing is worn out, the clips are broken off, so it will not stay in the column.
Numberdummy, you said you could find me a bearing even though it is obsolete. Can you find the plastic piece as well?
If not, what else can I do?
I need the entire assembly. The white plastic bushing is worn out, the clips are broken off, so it will not stay in the column.
Numberdummy, you said you could find me a bearing even though it is obsolete. Can you find the plastic piece as well?
If not, what else can I do?
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Okay, I tore it all apart today and got the shaft and column out of the truck. I need a new steering shaft and am having one built for the truck. The only other problem with my steering is I need to replace that white bushing that holds the bearing at the end of the column(part number 3D681).
I need the entire assembly. The white plastic bushing is worn out, the clips are broken off, so it will not stay in the column.
I need the entire assembly. The white plastic bushing is worn out, the clips are broken off, so it will not stay in the column.
Applications: 1973 F100/250 4WD & Bronco from serial number S20,001 / 1974/79 F100/250 4WD & Bronco / 1979 F350 4WD.
No Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any / Try: broncograveyard.com