65 "rag joint" steering coupling worn out
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: N.C.
65 "rag joint" steering coupling worn out
In my 1965 F 100 the "rag joint" or the steering coupling is all worn out and there is alot of play in the steering. The part is like a rubber washer with metal rods on it. Anyhow how do u replace this part? Where do u begin to take things apart at. Im not the most mechanically experienced person so any detailed help is very much appreciated.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,230
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From: East Flat Rock NC
I would start by looking at the cab corners! You just unbolt the rag retaining
nuts loosen the column , I always try to find the ''better rag joints" some of
them have bigger pins that fit the slots tighter I like these alot better, but it
may take some shoping around to find one! You may also want to do a search. It may turn up alot, also search cab corners.
nuts loosen the column , I always try to find the ''better rag joints" some of
them have bigger pins that fit the slots tighter I like these alot better, but it
may take some shoping around to find one! You may also want to do a search. It may turn up alot, also search cab corners.
Last edited by Pro-Street/StateTK; Mar 11, 2005 at 07:48 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
Gear Jammer: Prostreet is right. If the cab is settling, the angle between the column and the steering box become too great, and the rag joint tears. Look at the front bottom of the cab, the back under the rear of the front wheel well, where the cab mounts to the frame. The metal should not be rusted out.
As for changing the rag joint, it isn't that hard to do, but it can seem intimidating. Essentially, you will need to pull the steering column up a little bit, at least 3 three inches, and then remove the rag joint from the steering box.
Loosen the bracket from underneath the dash; leave the bolts in just enough to support the column.
From off the firewall, loosen the band around the steering column.
Remove the front steering column support bracket from off the firewall.
Remove the 2 bolts holding the steering column to the rag joint.
Pull the steering column up into the cab; you can rest the steering wheel on the seat. You will probably need to finish removing the column bracket bolts to do this.
Remove the banjo bolt holding the rag joint to the gear box. This is a special bolt, I've never found the right thing to take it off with. I have, however, used an 11mm 12 point socket to take it off.
Once you have the rag joint off, you can see how to replace it. The two large studs should unscrew. (They are there to give some steering capability should the rag joint disintegrate unexpectedly.) I suggest you take it to NAPA and get the right part with the old one in your hands.
Good luck!
As for changing the rag joint, it isn't that hard to do, but it can seem intimidating. Essentially, you will need to pull the steering column up a little bit, at least 3 three inches, and then remove the rag joint from the steering box.
Loosen the bracket from underneath the dash; leave the bolts in just enough to support the column.
From off the firewall, loosen the band around the steering column.
Remove the front steering column support bracket from off the firewall.
Remove the 2 bolts holding the steering column to the rag joint.
Pull the steering column up into the cab; you can rest the steering wheel on the seat. You will probably need to finish removing the column bracket bolts to do this.
Remove the banjo bolt holding the rag joint to the gear box. This is a special bolt, I've never found the right thing to take it off with. I have, however, used an 11mm 12 point socket to take it off.
Once you have the rag joint off, you can see how to replace it. The two large studs should unscrew. (They are there to give some steering capability should the rag joint disintegrate unexpectedly.) I suggest you take it to NAPA and get the right part with the old one in your hands.
Good luck!
Last edited by banjopicker66; Mar 11, 2005 at 07:58 PM.
