Hi all,

I've got another question about my 1977 F100 (as I type this, I've got another thread about an aftermarket AC identification pending moderator approval - I've only had the truck four days, so there will probably be a lot of "what is this?" type questions if I can't find an answer after searching here or on the bigger search engines, so bear with me please).
After looking for topics about loose steering and looking at the truck, I'd found the bushing (pardon my terminology if it's incorrect) between the steering column and the intermediate (?) shaft on the steering box appears to have partially/almost completely disintegrated. I can't seem to find a parts diagram that actually shows the bushing or gives a part number. The local parts supply shops haven't been much help, either. What I'm talking about is the brown ring under the bright silver part of the coupling in the picture below. It's only about 2/3 there. You can see the disintegrated cross section on the right. It looks like some type of hard rubber.


Steering Column Connection with the trashed brown ring on the left half of the connector

I did find this in the glove box (PO either too lazy to install or maybe not the right part?):



Generic steering bushing, but it looks like it's about the right size/thickness...


Anyone know if this will work? I'd like to have the parts on hand before pulling the connection apart to fix it.
Right now there's about 4"-5" of play in the steering that knocks about going down the road. It feels like its the connection banging around on itself. I can see/hear it knock back and forth by having one of the kids turn the wheel when it's off and parked, so I know this has to be fixed, and tested, before going any deeper.

Once again, any information is appreciated.

Thanks,

Raxx

 

It's a rag joint

 

Twister-

Thanks. Knowing what term to use actually made it possible to find relevant posts (and part numbers).
Looks like an easy job. Hope to get to it either later today or tomorrow.

-Raxx

 

Yeah that looks correct. Google the part number and check the application guide. Looks like the one I installed on my '77

 

See 3A525 in pic below. This is the steering coupler (aka rag joint) that connects the steering column shaft to the input shaft of the steering gear box.

Since Ford only sold the steering coupler as an assembly (as pictured), auto parts stores sell just the sleeve.

 

Thanks everyone.
I don't know if I saw that parts diagram before, but if I did, I missed the rag joint part on it.
Hopefully I get this installed tomorrow, using the one I found in the glove box.
I'll update with the results once I'm done.

-Raxx

 

New rag joint
Got the new rag joint in. It's the one I found in the glove box.

One other question: When I removed the old one, I found there was what appeared to be a ground wire running from a bolt on either side. The wire had separated, so I didn't notice anything not working, but I do know I don't have dash lights (although the turn indicator lights on the dash work and I read somewhere that if those work, the ground to the rest of the dash lights is good - same ground).
Anyone know what a ground wire across the rag joint is for?

Thanks,

-Raxx

 

Raxx,

My guess is the wire across the rag joint helps to make the horn work.

 

yes you need the ground strap

 

I will go ahead and add a ground strap across the joint.
It's not the horn, though. That works.
Even though I've read differently, I'm hoping that restores the instrument cluster lights.
I'll post what, if anything, starts working once the strap is installed.

-Raxx

 

Somethingclever-

Do you know what the strap is for?