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Need help with steering coupler

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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 03:03 PM
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Need help with steering coupler

I needed to replace the steering coupler on my 1970 F250. I was able to remove the collar bolt and one of the bolts connecting to the steering column. The other bolt would not come loose. I cut the bolt in half with an angle grinder but it still did not come out the other side. I tried cutting off the nut on the other side but ended up gouging the wavy disc the steering coupler bolts to and the bolt still didn't come out! What is that thing called? I see it in my shop manual but the doesn't have a name. Where can I order it and how do I replace it?
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...829523da35.jpg
 
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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 04:23 PM
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Are you talking about the Rag joint? NPD, Dennis Carpenter, and etc. I think you can get them @ AutoZone and etc. too.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 04:30 PM
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No it's the thing the rag joint bolts to. It's a metal disc that has a wave to it.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 04:44 PM
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That is part of the steering shaft
 
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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by mcintosh77
I needed to replace the steering coupler on my 1970 F250. I was able to remove the collar bolt and one of the bolts connecting to the steering column. The other bolt would not come loose. I cut the bolt in half with an angle grinder but it still did not come out the other side. I tried cutting off the nut on the other side but ended up gouging the wavy disc the steering coupler bolts to and the bolt still didn't come out!
C9UZ-3A525-A (replaced C9TZ-3A525-B & D3TZ-3A525-A) .. Steering Coupler (rag joint) / Obsolete

1969/74 F100/250 2WD & F350 with M/S & P/S; 1975 F100/250 2WD & F350 with M/S only.

No Ford dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any. AFAIK, it's not reproduced.

Dorman Products sold by auto parts stores has a replacement.

Pic: 3A525 is the coupler, the flange that the coupler bolts to...is made as part of the steering shaft (3524). Pic shows a different style flange than you describe.

 
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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 06:53 PM
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I have the steering coupler (part 3A525). Its the upper flange I want to replace. So my choices are to replace the entire steering shaft (which will have a new flange on it?) or could I replace the upper flange with one of these?
https://www.performanceonline.com/Ra...r-RJC01-18878/
https://www.performanceonline.com/Bo...oupler-Deluxe/

This is a similar issue to what was going on in this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-upper.html
 
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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by mcintosh77
I have the steering coupler (part 3A525). Its the upper flange I want to replace. So my choices are to replace the entire steering shaft (which will have a new flange on it?) or could I replace the upper flange with one of these?
https://www.performanceonline.com/Ra...r-RJC01-18878/
https://www.performanceonline.com/Bo...oupler-Deluxe/

This is a similar issue to what was going on in this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ing-upper.html
I don't know diddly about these aftermarket parts, so I have no idea if they'll work or not.

Does your 1970 F250 have manual or power steering?
 
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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 08:18 PM
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Power steering. Looks like other people have swapped the steering shaft for one with a u-joint instead of the rag joint. How hard of a job is that? I've been restoring this truck since summer. Have to get the steering hooked back together and go through the brakes.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 08:50 PM
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I would not recommend changing to a u-joint design. If you pull the steering column out you can better access the damage to the flange. It should be repairable with a little welding and metal work.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2018 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by mcintosh77
Power steering.
C9TZ-3524-C .. Steering Shaft & Flange-Use with P/S - 32 7/8" long. Flange has (2) 3/4" slots / Obsolete

1969 F100/250 2WD from serial number D96,001; 1969/72 F350; 1970 F100/250 2WD

No Ford dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2018 | 06:47 AM
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Summit has this listed as the replacement steering shaft. U-joints on both ends. I'll pull the steering column and decide which way to go.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/brg-000970/overview/
The one product I listed looks like they put together custom flange / rag joint combos. Need to call them for more info....
Does your info have the shaft diameter and number of splines for both ends of rag joint?
 
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Old Jan 21, 2018 | 07:49 AM
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LMC actually sells a replacement steering shaft that also has u-joints on both ends. Not sure why I couldn't find it before. Part 45-0860
 
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Old Jan 25, 2018 | 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by mcintosh77
LMC actually sells a replacement steering shaft that also has u-joints on both ends. Not sure why I couldn't find it before. Part 45-0860
That is for a 4X4 only. They have it listed wrong. Look how long it is.
 
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Old Feb 19, 2018 | 02:34 PM
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I took the steering shaft out of my truck and was able to get the end repaired like mrpotatohead suggested. Then all it needed was a new steering coupler. Thanks!
 
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