Can anyone describe how i change the rag joint in my1977 f250?
do i need to change the whole part or is there an insert for it? my steering feels like the front of the truck is floating the it will suddenly pull to the right. help help help!!!!

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Go buy the replacement part first. Just looking at what you purchase will answer your questions. It comes as a complete unit. For the floating sensation and pulling, I'd inspect the whole front end, every bushing and joint, for possible wear that will cause the loose problem you have with the steering.

 

I'm working off of memory here but here goes (was on 2WD):

1* There's a couple of different replacement parts you can buy. You can buy a whole new rag joint assembly or simply buy a replacement rubber disc. Check out the "HELP" section of your local parts store.

2* I remember needing to pull the steering shaft out a little to the joint assembly off the steering gear's splined input shaft. This means pulling the steering wheel off and unclipping one of the retainer clips to get the shaft to slide out a few inches.

3* There's an odd bolt head that keeps the slit end in tension. I remember needing to pull the assembly a little off the steering gear input shaft in order to get that bolt to slide out.

4* When I "rebuilt" my rag joint assembly, some grinding was required to install the new hardware.

It's not a tough job, just a pain to get to. The rag joint will help, but also keep in mind like the other post mentioned that there are a number of other places for wander and "looseness." I've done just about everthing under the sun to my 79's front end to gain as much handling as possible and there's one thing to realize. These old trucks are not going to come close to handling like some of the newer rigs out there today. The power steering has little too much power to it.

 

you could also look into an aftermarket u-joint like the one on a driveshaft and never have the problem again.

 

Cool........ I didn't know these were out there. I'd thought about doing my own but never got around to it.

Would you know a manufacturers name by any chance???

Thanks,
John

 

Flaming river makes new shafts but you probably don't need it. The odd bolt is a 12 point. Socket should work. You have to pull the steering column up an inch or so to get it off the slip joint.

 

you would probally be better off replacing the rag joint with a new one instead of a HELP! kit. my HELP! replacement didnt last too long. NPD has them for abou $70

 

go to summit for a flaming river steering shaft lmc truck has one too but you need a cataloge to order anything from there try bronco graveyard too. they might be a little spendy but its better than a rag joint ever was. heres the links: www.lmctruck.com/ford_truck_cat_page.htm
www.broncograveyard.com
www.summitracing.com

shop for prices though there may be better deals out there.