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I found out that I need to replace my shift tube and figured since I was neck deep in the steering column as it was and that I was going to have to pull it out anyways I figured I would replace my rag joint. Only problem is, I don't know how to. On videos I have watched, there is a 12 point bolt that you take out in-between the rag joint and steering gear, but I do not see one. Is this only on older Ford trucks? Do I have to disconnect the rag joint to take out the column? I tried loosening and removing the nut and bolt at the top of the rag joint but having a hard time loosening it, holding the bolt head so it doesn't turn and doing that while trying to get the rag joint to not turn. Any tips? Ideas? Also, how should I go about disconnecting the bushing at the top connecting the linkage to the steering tube?
I can't find the 12 point bolt I read about that should loosen the connection to the steering gear. What do I need to do to disconnect the column? Vier from the bottom
There are a few ways to undo that joint to get the column out.
If you look at the shaft on the column side there should be 2 nuts, you can see 1 of them in the first picture.
The other is on the other side. Undo both of them and that shaft should pry loose from the rubber and pull the column out.
Once out if you look below the rubber disc there should be a bolt (12 point?) going through a clamp that holds the lower disc (below the rubber) to the box in put shaft. Loosen and remove that bolt and pry that lower part off the box.
You must remove that clamp bolt or you cant get the rag joint off the in put shaft as the shaft has a groove the bolt fits in so it cant be pulled off the box.
Dave ----
I have a vague memory of this lower column bearing being made by a forum member. It may not be true but you may want to consider it while the column is out.
Either remove 3 bolts that go completely thru the flex (rag) joint or the one bolt on the side (going sideways) below the rag joint coupler towards the input shaft. That ONE bolt is what clamps the bottom part of the rag joint coupler to the steering box input shaft splines. Get some spray carb/brake cleaner and get to cleaning up your work area, then you will see it.
There are a few ways to undo that joint to get the column out.
If you look at the shaft on the column side there should be 2 nuts, you can see 1 of them in the first picture.
The other is on the other side. Undo both of them and that shaft should pry loose from the rubber and pull the column out.
Once out if you look below the rubber disc there should be a bolt (12 point?) going through a clamp that holds the lower disc (below the rubber) to the box in put shaft. Loosen and remove that bolt and pry that lower part off the box.
You must remove that clamp bolt or you cant get the rag joint off the in put shaft as the shaft has a groove the bolt fits in so it cant be pulled off the box.
Dave ----
That helped immensely! Thank you so much! I wound up taking off a lot of things off I hope I can reassemble
I have a vague memory of this lower column bearing being made by a forum member. It may not be true but you may want to consider it while the column is out.
Michael
Awesome! I would love to support a fellow FTE member! Will this also eliminate the "bushing" that looks like a tier that goes around the bearing?
Maybe you missed it, but the OP is working with a 2wd. There's no lower steering shaft on any 73/79 2wd, the column connects directly to the steering box via a rag joint coupler.
Either remove 3 bolts that go completely thru the flex (rag) joint or the one bolt on the side (going sideways) below the rag joint coupler towards the input shaft. That ONE bolt is what clamps the bottom part of the rag joint coupler to the steering box input shaft splines. Get some spray carb/brake cleaner and get to cleaning up your work area, then you will see it.
Wow you talk about if it was a snake it would have bit me! All that caked on and I honestly didn't see it was a 12 point bolt.
The other bolt I've been trying to get loose but having a hard time getting a good grip on it so it won't spin while I turn the nut, thank you! Still having trouble getting the bushing off of the linkage on the column (its red). Somehow lost my trim removal tool.. any advise?
Wow that looks so clean! It looks very similar to the other part suggested. Thank you for the info! BTW this man also put in a borgenson shaft... I am still pretty new, is this basically eliminating a rag joint by using a "U joint"? Does it work on 2wd? I seem to see some confusion on here about that.
I encourage you to study the pics in post #1 & explain to me where the lower steering shaft is supposed to go. The part you're suggesting is a replacement for the lower steering shaft for 4wd's. Would you like me to post illustrations from the MPC for you? Again, the steering column on all 73/79 2wd's connect directly to the steering box via a rag joint coupler. You do not know how the shaft connects because there isn't one on any 73/79 2wd.
I have no need to search that which is common knowledge.
smh.. idk how much more ignorant you want to make yourself look but you're doing a great job!
Also, it looks like the one you posted is very nice but only for trucks my year with 4wd, and I have 2wd. I really don't see a difference, but that's why they don't pay me the big bucks to actually work on trucks for a living
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