I have a 1986 F-150 4x4 with the 5.0L EFI, Auto Trans, Power Steering, Tilt-Wheel, and the steering on it has been very loose ( a lot of play in the wheel and a lot of drift) since I bought it a year ago. A mechanic that was doing my alignment recently said that he noticed that my rag joing was "completely shot". He said that ford doesn't sell the rag joint separately so my only option was to replace the "lower steering shaft assembly" which runs about $395 from Ford. I was just curious if this is really my only option or if I could just replace the "steering coupler" from LMC for $95 LMC Truck Parts - Page 119 or replace the "Dorman Steering Shaft Coupling Kit" for $12 from JC Whitney Dorman Steering Shaft Coupling Kit - JCWhitney or as a last resort, replace the whole steering shaft with a 80-87 Ford Borgeson Steering Shaft for $200 80-87 Ford Borgeson Steering Shaft 000980

Maybe this is a dumb question, but all these parts claim to solve the same problem and none of them are what the mechanic suggested. I would obviously like to fix the problem without spending money unnecessarily, so if anybody knows what my options are, I'd appreciate the help. I just don't know enough to be able to tell what I need to do.

 

Another FoMoCo boondoggle.

1982/87 F150/350 & Bronco with P/S with/without tilt wheel as original: E2TZ-3B676-B .. Lower Steering Shaft & Coupler Assy (No Ford Dealer/obsolete parts vendor has any ) / Replaced by =

E8TZ-3B676-A .. Lower Steering Shaft & Coupler Assy ~ 1988/91 F100/350 & Bronco / MSRP: $346.82 // FTE Ford Dealer Parts Dept sponsor tousleyfordparts.com price: $228.90.

But, what your mechanic may not be aware of (the partscluck at the Ford dealer was either too dense to read what the catalog says, or didn't tell him):

In order to use this 1988/91 part on a 1982/87 with a tilt wheel, the 1988/91's upper steering shaft and tilt wheel lock lever must also be installed.

E9TZ-3524-E .. Upper Steering Shaft-Use with Tilt Wheel / Available from Ford.

MSRP: $199.73 // tousleyfordparts.com price: $139.81 / Tousley: White Bear Lake MN
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E9TZ-3E715-B .. Tilt Wheel Lock Lever / Available from Ford.

MSRP: $20.88 // tousleyfordparts.com price: $13.65.

 

So what you're saying is not only can I not just replace the rag joint, I also can't just replace the lower steering shaft assembly. I have to replace both the lower shaft and coupler assembly and the upper steering shaft and tilt wheel lever lock.

That sounds like a whippin, but I guess I would like the part number and price if you don't mind. I assume there's no easy after-market part not sold by FORD to replace this pair o' shafts. That borgeson steering shaft I listed is not an option?

 

People ask me this all the time: "Will aftermarket parts work?" I have no idea, was a Ford partsman for 35 years (1962/97) and very rarely did we use aftemarket parts.

 

Understood. I appreciate your help.

 

Parts edited into post #2 / Contact Borgeson, ask for specifics.

One bit of good news: You now know where to buy FoMoCo parts at actual dealer net cost + 10%.

 

Aftermarket rag joints will work on the OEM steering shafts. You just need to grind off the rivets on the old joint and use the supplied bolts with the new joint to secure it to the shaft. I did that originally with my truck. 5K miles later the u joint at the top of the shaft checked out, so I replaced the whole steering shaft with a Unisteer setup. Works well, but was an absolute PIA to install.

I think I saved the rag joint I had installed....not many miles on it if you want a really inexpensive way out. PM me if interested.