So I am finally getting around to rebuilding my front end.

I was in the middle of removing the steering gear box (tie rods are all removed) and when i slid up the cover for the coupling from the steering column to the gear box i felt that it had quite a bit of play. Should this be a relatively tight unit? Or am I just feeling slop from the gear box when i wiggle it up and down.

Unfortunately I don't have anyone to turn the wheel while I look to see if there is any play from the steering wheel end.

I took a short video I will try to post as well.

I would just like to know if there is an easy fix for this or if its all normal. Haven't been able to find anything on search.

Going to continue with removing the gear box at the moment but i don't want to reassemble anything until I figure this out.

Thanks a lot

Edit: Found out a little more, I guess I'm concerned about the rag joint? This is my first encounter with a rag joint. Any more info on replacing these (if necessary) would be great.

Edit #2: Ok, so having found out its called a rag joint I'm finding a ton more info on them, understanding the situation a lot better. Ill simply leave this up for any tips on replacing them and probably delete this thread by tomorrow. Simply curious if anyone has any more information on part #'s i seem to be finding that some people aren't getting the correct size?

 

Im in the process of this. I cant believe i didnt see this post before doing mine.

I chose to grind the rivets. Replaced the rivets using 5/16-18 hardware. Then discovered i might end up needing to double them up. That is were i got stuck. Ran outta daylight and the parts house was closed also need to pay a visit to the hardware store.

My recommendation is dont spin the wheel u might break clock spring if u got 1


Ill findout in the A.M

 

The one on the left.

 

My biggest piece of advice would be to ditch the rag joint entirely, they suck. Several companies make U-joints to replace the rag joint. Here's a link to a complete shaft. little pricey but certainly an easy way to go about it. 1984-94 Ford F150 / F250 / F350 Slip Shaft Kit - FR1518-1DD - 577 - 5875

 

BruteFord - he has a 95 F350. I have a 96 F350 SRW 4X4 460 C-6. Flaming River says it will fit an 84-94. Wil the shaft fit a 95-97? Thanks!

 

I really don't know, I have no idea what would have changed between 94 and 95. I wondered about that to when I saw that, wish I had an answer for ya but I don't.

 

Mine ended up not being in that bad a shape, was mostly just play from the gear box it was totally shot. Rest of the install went well aside from forgetting to check if my gear box was centered prior to putting everything on so i had to do-over. thanks for all the replies though guys!

 

BF - I will call FR tomorrow and ask and will post it. Maybe a Ford parts guy will tell us? LOL! Thanks.