Steering column/rag or u joint
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Elder User
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Steering column/rag or u joint
Slowly getting some work done on tilt steering column. Wanted some thoughts
advantages/disavantages on using a rag joint or a u joint for steering box connector. Thanks!
advantages/disavantages on using a rag joint or a u joint for steering box connector. Thanks!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
I used a good sealed bearing U-joint when i put in a tilt from a 79 F-150. I never did like the looks of the rag joint, Borguson U-joint is a lot cleaner looking. I never did trust the safety of a new rag joint let alone one that's been covered with motor oil for about 100,000 miles. My $.02 worth.
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Elder User
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I'am leaning towards a u joint, was a little worried about vibration. Do you thing that would be a problem?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
No vibration in mine, it has power steering , so i don't know how it would be with manual steering. I have Three U-joints and a stabilizer bearing in the steering shaft in a street rod, no problems which was harder to do than my truck. Don't get cheap made ones , you'l get what you pay for.I used Borguson , may not be the right spelling , but there are other well made ones.
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Elder User
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No vibration in mine, it has power steering , so i don't know how it would be with manual steering. I have Three U-joints and a stabilizer bearing in the steering shaft in a street rod, no problems which was harder to do than my truck. Don't get cheap made ones , you'l get what you pay for.I used Borguson , may not be the right spelling , but there are other well made ones.
Oh, I have power steering also so it sounds like it should work.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Try here:
Steering Joint from Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop
LMC offers a kit, pricey though.
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fb/full.aspx?Page=97
Steering Joint from Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop
LMC offers a kit, pricey though.
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fb/full.aspx?Page=97
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
Check the size and style of joint you will need before buying it, they are expensive. Mine was 3/4 x 36 spline on both ends, yours may be different.
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Elder User
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I have 3 piece shaft the bottom slips off so it will be easy to shorten. The u joint is connected to the bottom section. Don't know about the u joint end that connects to the gear box, if it will fit I'am good. If it doesn't I will look at your posts for a correct fitting joint. I'll remember to check diameter if I have to order one. Thanks for the links and info on your column, makes me feel better about the u joint
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
I have 3 piece shaft the bottom slips off so it will be easy to shorten. The u joint is connected to the bottom section. Don't know about the u joint end that connects to the gear box, if it will fit I'am good. If it doesn't I will look at your posts for a correct fitting joint. I'll remember to check diameter if I have to order one. Thanks for the links and info on your column, makes me feel better about the u joint
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Elder User
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[QUOTE=jim collins;12883302]"Freightrain " posted the link but they are not hard to find.[/QUOTE
Ops sorry about that.
Took a quick look at the gear box connection on my f-100 looks like it will unbolt and will pull off. I have to look at the connection on the tilt column to see if it will fit on the gear box. Don't know yet if is a pull off rag joint connector and connect the tilt u joint connector. Hoping but wouldn't know till this weekend when I get some time to work on column.
I will post once I find out.
[/QUOTEOps sorry about that.
Took a quick look at the gear box connection on my f-100 looks like it will unbolt and will pull off. I have to look at the connection on the tilt column to see if it will fit on the gear box. Don't know yet if is a pull off rag joint connector and connect the tilt u joint connector. Hoping but wouldn't know till this weekend when I get some time to work on column.
I will post once I find out.
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Elder User
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Just remembered when I rebuilt my 70 f-100 column it's a solid shaft. The tilt column is a 3 piece that comes apart and has a u joint connector on the end piece. I think you column is solid like the one in my f-100 and the rag joint connector would have to be cut off. Then you have to find a u joint connector that would fit both the gear box and the solid steering shaft end.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...9QEwCg&dur=786
This is like the tilt steering column I'am using, center drive shaft comes apart in 3 piece with j joint already connected.
http://www.fordification.com/tech/images/colshort15.jpg
Your shaft end should look like one of these.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...9QEwCg&dur=786
This is like the tilt steering column I'am using, center drive shaft comes apart in 3 piece with j joint already connected.
http://www.fordification.com/tech/images/colshort15.jpg
Your shaft end should look like one of these.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
Somebody told me the solid one just had that flange pressed on and it can be removed showing spines under it. I don't know I have a couple but have never checked them out. My tilt column came from a 79 F-150 and had 3/4 x 36 spines on it and the gear box was the same, making it a easy bolt on project. 78 /79 Broncos will have the 3/4 x 36 spline shaft too I believe.