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The truck is a 1974 F 100, 2WD, Windsor, 3 speed manual column shift.
The flexible steering coupler (rag joint) that I ordered from Rock Auto has smaller pins than the original coupler (see picture). Rather than using the entire new coupler, I’m wondering if there is any reason that I shouldn’t replace just the rubber/fabric disc on the original coupler with the disc from the new coupler. The original disc is fabric, whereas the new disc is plastic or rubber. The pins on the new coupler are threaded, so I can remove the disc. It appears that the pins on the original coupler are also threaded (i.e. rather than pressed or riveted) … can someone confirm this? Or, does anyone know of a vendor that sells a coupler that is a better match to the original? Any other tips or suggestions? Thanks.
Crickets... anyone, anyone, Buehler ... just kidding. Should I try to replace just the rubber disc of the rag joint, or can someone direct me to a coupler that is closer to the original? See original question above. Thanks.
Crickets... anyone, anyone, Buehler ... just kidding. Should I try to replace just the rubber disc of the rag joint, or can someone direct me to a coupler that is closer to the original? See original question above. Thanks.
Back before my interest is everything automotive waned many many years ago, I had a replacement rag joint for my F150 that I bought from the parts store and it was just the "fabric" like you're saying. The original coupler on mine has the pins riveted on. I never got around to ever putting it on way back then.
My current F100 had the same issue with having a bad rag joint. I believe I bought the dorman rag joint from the local parts store that was a complete new rag joint/steering coupler. I had to loosen up the column from inside the cab to get clearance and then just slide the new coupler onto the steering box and everything is working fine. I believe the pins are just a safety feature for when the rag joint deteriorates and doesn't leave you flying off the road.
I'll scour my pics and see if I can find something that may help out.
75BigBlock, thanks so much. Interstingly, the pins in your Oh Oh Oh O'Reilly pic look much closer to my original. We don't have O'Reily here in VA, but I will look for the Dorman coupler. Thanks again.
75BigBlock, thanks so much. Interstingly, the pins in your Oh Oh Oh O'Reilly pic look much closer to my original. We don't have O'Reily here in VA, but I will look for the Dorman coupler. Thanks again.
No problem, sir. I found it a lot more hassle free to just replace the whole coupler, but I'm sure if you want you can drill out the rivets on the original and put in some nuts and bolts if you trust your hardware.
Not it sure if this helps.... this is a dorman rag joint I bought from rock auto. Instal was easy, as stated above I just had to loosen the column bolts and slide it back. I can’t remember, but I am 99% sure the input splines have a master tooth, however the rag joint splines do not. After taking it on the road, I was one tooth off(crooked steering wheel). I made the quick adjustment and good to go. The only issue I had with the dorman rag joint was the pinch bolt from the dorman part sat extremely close to the steering box, too close to get a socket on. The pinch bolt I had off the old rag joint was a 12 point bolt, so I reused the old one as I could get a 12 point socket on it much easier
1974 F100 2WD .. The flexible steering coupler (rag joint) that I ordered from Rock Auto has smaller pins than the original coupler.
Rather than using the entire new coupler, I’m wondering if there is any reason that I shouldn’t replace just the rubber/fabric disc on the original coupler with .. the disc from the new coupler.
I forgot to mention in my last post. The RockAuto coupler in my initial picture was listed as brand Lares 202. That seems to be the only one Rock Auto carries now.
original, Dorman 31004, Lares 202
Thanks for your help. I wanted to follow-up with some info that might help others. I ended up installing the Dorman Coupler #31004. It fit well, and is fairly similar to the original. As suggested by mtnbiker, I too used the original 12 point pinch bolt. Attached is a photo comparing the original, Dorman 31004 (center), and Lares 202 (right). As I mentioned in my initial post, the pins on the Lares coupler are much smaller than the originals ... I also realized that the fasteners are metric, which was a turnoff. FWIW when I searched RockAuto by my vehicle, only the Lares coupler came up. To find the Dorman coupler on RockAuto I had to look it up by part number.
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