Rag Joint Replacement Options
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Rag Joint Replacement Options
Ok,
I have a 1986 F-150 4x4 with the 5.0L EFI, Automatic Transmission, Power Steering, and a Tilt-Wheel. The steering has been very loose since I bought it a year ago. I took it in to get the alignment adjusted recently after buying new tires and while the mechanic was working on it he noticed that the rag joint is "completely worn out". He said that the only part he could find to replace it from FORD was a lower steering shaft assembly that ran around $390. Is this my only option or could I simply replace the "steering coupler" for $95 out of LMC http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fd/full.aspx?Page=119 or the Dorman Steering Shaft Coupling Kit for $12 on JC Whitney Dorman Steering Shaft Coupling Kit - JCWhitney or should I replace the whole shaft with a Borgeson Steering Shaft for $200 80-87 Ford Borgeson Steering Shaft 000980
These all seem to be very different products advertising themselves as solving the same problem, and none of them are what the mechanic recommended. I just don't know enough to determine what I need to do, but with the combination of the worn out rag joint and my 33x12.50 tires, the steering issue is significant enough that my wife refuses to drive the truck, which means I can't get drunk and make her drive me home. I'd appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks
I have a 1986 F-150 4x4 with the 5.0L EFI, Automatic Transmission, Power Steering, and a Tilt-Wheel. The steering has been very loose since I bought it a year ago. I took it in to get the alignment adjusted recently after buying new tires and while the mechanic was working on it he noticed that the rag joint is "completely worn out". He said that the only part he could find to replace it from FORD was a lower steering shaft assembly that ran around $390. Is this my only option or could I simply replace the "steering coupler" for $95 out of LMC http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fd/full.aspx?Page=119 or the Dorman Steering Shaft Coupling Kit for $12 on JC Whitney Dorman Steering Shaft Coupling Kit - JCWhitney or should I replace the whole shaft with a Borgeson Steering Shaft for $200 80-87 Ford Borgeson Steering Shaft 000980
These all seem to be very different products advertising themselves as solving the same problem, and none of them are what the mechanic recommended. I just don't know enough to determine what I need to do, but with the combination of the worn out rag joint and my 33x12.50 tires, the steering issue is significant enough that my wife refuses to drive the truck, which means I can't get drunk and make her drive me home. I'd appreciate any advice you can offer. Thanks
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I spotted the 2nd thread, read it, knew right away that his mechanic was not aware (because the dumb partscluck at the dealer didn't inform him) that in order to replace the lower steering shaft and coupler (the rag joint was made as part of it)...that Ford obsoleted the original 1982/87 type, replaced it with the 1988/91 type.
And when Ford did this, if a tilt wheel was present, the 1988/91's upper steering shaft and tilt wheel lock lever must also be installed. The only good news is, all three of these parts are available from Ford.
The OP's other thread has much more info.
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