I am hoping to get some guidance as to when I should replace the rag joint for my '65 F100.

I recently talked with someone that had wrecked their '69 F100 because the joint broke right before a curve...and they rolled the truck down the hill!

It got me thinking about how much rides on that part...

Advance auto carries one for $32.99 I think...so I'm thinking about getting it. But I also just want to know how to determine it's condition for the sake of knowing.

Thanks!

 

Very rarely do rag joints fail from use. To fail because certain environments cause them to rot is possible. However, the point of those two pins is to keep the coupler together so you still have steering control if the rubber breaks. It has been my impression that if you are experiencing a lot of play in your steering wheel then it may be the joint. If the rubber looks to be cracking then it should be replaced. My truck has the original and I have a new one in stock. My 44 year old Cougar still has the original and it is fine. So goes for the 45 year old Park Lane.

 

Ford sells a nice plastic one that is a bolt in deal. That is the rubber is a type of plastic. This is not a repair kit it is a complete replacement. Sorry I don't have the PN.

 

What in the world? Ford sells it but you don't have the part number? Why would Ford offer this replacement part for an obsolete part, since the NHTSA has never issued a recall? Doesn't make any sense.

There is no way that this aftermarket (it is not genuine Ford!) fixum will work on any 1965/66 and I doubt it will work on any 1967/79, either.

1980/96's have a one piece lower steering shaft & coupler assy. A nylon disc is made as part of the lower couplers flange. When the disc cracks apart, the entire assy has to be replaced. If this fixum fits anything, it's one of these trucks.

C5TZ-3A525-A .. Steering Coupler (rag joint) / Larger pin has .41" O.D. / Obsolete

1965 F100/250 2WD / 1966 F100 2WD before serial number 900,001.

GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has 49 = 800-543-4959.

CARPENTER NOS OBSOLETE PARTS in Concord NC has 92 = 800-476-9653.
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C6TZ-3A525-A .. Steering Coupler / Larger pin has .56" O.D. / Obsolete

1966 F100/250 2WD from serial number 900,001.

GREEN SALES has 48.

 

Thanks, this is good to know! (I was seriously freaking out)

 

Thanks, I think I saw some plastic replacements online too.

 

As always, thanks for the info!

 

Try Mac's Truck Supply in NY Find it on-line
I just changed mine. It took a little fiddling, but it fits fine.
This one fits F-100s before 900,001 Serial number.
Looks like teflon and improved steering 100 %.
Part# C5TZ-3A525-A Cost:A little over $40 with shipping.

Tom

 

Mac's Antique Auto Parts in Lockport NY.