) broke.
Steering coupler (rag joint) question(s).
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Steering coupler (rag joint) question(s).
I am working on my 1978 Ford F-150 4WD getting it going again so I can begin restoring it. While moving it around in the garage the steering coupler (rag joint) broke. Good thing it happened now and not out on the road. So my questions are what are my replacement options? Does anyone make a universal set up, like there is on the upper end of the steering shaft, to replace the rag joint?Reason I ask is because my truck has a 3" body lift in it which put the steering shaft at more of an angle. If not what is the correct part number for the rag joint in a 1978 Ford F-150 4WD with power steering?Where can I go to look this type of stuff up? The shaft on the steering box where the rag joint clamp slides on is pretty muvh 11/16". I can slide a 12 point 11/16" socket over it and it fits pretty snugly. Any info that you can provide to help me with this is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: South west Idaho
I changed mine to a Borgeson universal U-joint, it was a 3/4 x36 spline on both ends. You would need to check that out first . Cost was about the same as the rag joint but looks better . There are lots of brands and choices of plan steel ,stainless , chrome , bushing or bearing . I got the stainless with bearings , real solid made. It fit in place with no changes in the column , sometimes the column may have to be repositioned up or down 1/4" to fit correct. I use them all the time in street rods to go around headers ect. Just go online to Summit and search for Borgeson U-joint , it will have a long selection.
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Rag joint then attaches to input shaft of steering gearbox. If just the rag joint broke, you won't need to buy an expensive Borgeson lower steering shaft & coupler.
The original FoMoCo lower steering shaft & coupler is obsolete, none available NOS
There are two different rag joints for 1978 F150 4WD: With P/S (D9TZ-3A525-A) or without P/S (D6TZ-3A525-A).
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I changed mine to a Borgeson universal U-joint, it was a 3/4 x36 spline on both ends. You would need to check that out first . Cost was about the same as the rag joint but looks better . There are lots of brands and choices of plan steel ,stainless , chrome , bushing or bearing . I got the stainless with bearings , real solid made. It fit in place with no changes in the column , sometimes the column may have to be repositioned up or down 1/4" to fit correct. I use them all the time in street rods to go around headers ect. Just go online to Summit and search for Borgeson U-joint , it will have a long selection.
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Cross-Country
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The rag joint (3A525) is a separate part, it bolts to the flange of the Lower Steering Shaft & Coupler Assy (3B676).
Rag joint then attaches to input shaft of steering gearbox. If just the rag joint broke, you won't need to buy an expensive Borgeson lower steering shaft & coupler.
The original FoMoCo lower steering shaft & coupler is obsolete, none available NOS
There are two different rag joints for 1978 F150 4WD: With P/S (D9TZ-3A525-A) or without P/S (D6TZ-3A525-A).
Rag joint then attaches to input shaft of steering gearbox. If just the rag joint broke, you won't need to buy an expensive Borgeson lower steering shaft & coupler.
The original FoMoCo lower steering shaft & coupler is obsolete, none available NOS
There are two different rag joints for 1978 F150 4WD: With P/S (D9TZ-3A525-A) or without P/S (D6TZ-3A525-A).
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 633
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From: Edmonton, Ab
I bought some steering shaft and u joints from Flaming River. Very well build stuff. Putting it on my other 79 as well, factory one is not in good shape.
I bout fainted when I seen the price of replacing the stock set up.
They sell the U joints in DD for the shaft, and splined on one end for steering box/column.
I bout fainted when I seen the price of replacing the stock set up.
They sell the U joints in DD for the shaft, and splined on one end for steering box/column.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: South west Idaho
I was away from my PC so missed the question about the flat side of the shaft . Both of mine were splined so no problem. But as 'highoctane74' said they make them with a splined end and another end called "double D " [ DD] and it takes care of that end. The double d comes in 3/4" and 1" , you probably need 3/4" but need to check that. Splined end is probably 3/4" as well but you would need to check as they come in a number of different sizes and spline count.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: South west Idaho
The first thing on my list to change on these old trucks is that rag joint . I'v never bought one yet that never needed replaced accept years ago i got one that was only a couple of years old. I like a steel joint there , never did trust that chunk of rubber belting because that's all it is. Not one of Fords better ideas and other manufactures too are just as bad.
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