Replacing the "Rag Joint"

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Jan 4, 2003 | 02:15 AM

GeneStoner

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From: Great NW

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

What is the easiest way to replace the rag joint (flexible coupling) on my manual steering column?

Getting the two conventional bolts/nuts of is not a problem, but how do you remove the other 2 odd-looking "bolts?"

The replacement kit I got from NAPA has 4 different fasteners, wierd.

Jan 4, 2003 | 02:36 AM

Torque1st

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Replacing the "Rag Joint"

Are you talking about the 12 point bolt? If you are it takes a 12 point socket. Save this bolt, it is a special bolt.

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Jan 4, 2003 | 08:54 AM

GeneStoner

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From: Great NW

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

Actually, the 2 remaining "bolts" that hold the rag joint on (besides the conventional ones) look more like studs without any threads or nuts. Kind of like plain 'ol posts. Odd.

Any hints?

Jan 4, 2003 | 10:37 AM

FB79

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From: Puyallup US

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

those should just have a nut holding them on. The repair kit should
have a new set of these also.

Jan 4, 2003 | 12:01 PM

hawkrod

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From: Apple Valley CA USA

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

many originals have two rivets instead of bolts that have to be drilled out. the replacements come with two special bolts. hawkrod

Jan 4, 2003 | 12:10 PM

tetraruby

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Replacing the "Rag Joint"

Grinding the heads off works to remove them also.

Jan 4, 2003 | 03:49 PM

macguyver

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From: Minneapolis, MN

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

Just remember to replace the ground strap or the horn won't work. Don't ask me how I know!

Greg

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'76 F-250 Supercab 360ci current project
'71 Mach I 429CJ in storage
'79 F-150 for parts
huct on foniks wurkt fer me

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Jan 5, 2003 | 04:40 AM

GeneStoner

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From: Great NW

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

>Just remember to replace the ground strap or the horn won't
>work. Don't ask me how I know!

>Greg

Ground strap? What ground strap?

This must be why my horn doesn't work...

Jan 5, 2003 | 02:53 PM

#10

macguyver

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From: Minneapolis, MN

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Jan-03 AT 03:54 PM (EST)]Yeah, I took 2 electrical eyes that would fit under the nuts and ran a jumper between the 2 flanges.

I think the originals had enough conductivity to power the horn relay. I've also seen some that had a thin metal strap with a "Z" bend that did the same thing and still allowed the rag joint to flex.
Greg

'77 F-250 Camper Special 400ci driver
'76 F-250 Supercab 360ci current project
'71 Mach I 429CJ in storage
'79 F-150 for parts
huct on foniks wurkt fer me

Jan 9, 2003 | 09:49 AM

#11

GeneStoner

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From: Great NW

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

Follow up question:

How do you know when the rag joint needs to be replaced (besides obvious deterioration)?

Jan 9, 2003 | 10:24 AM

#12

William

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From: Sun River St. George

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

The rag joint needs replacing when the steering is loose and the two safety studs contact the flange on the bottom of steering column. These are not bolts these studs are there to allow you to steer the truck if the rag joint fails. I use the new plastic rag joint. It is more expensive but my horn works and I do not do any grinding and most importantly my truck will have some steering even if this new joint fails. This is a Ford part available at any Ford Dealer. Ford calls it a Flange Assembly.
William in Atlanta

Jan 11, 2003 | 07:27 AM

#13

78bigunns

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From: Culpeper, Virginia

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

I want to post a question if I may, on my truck (79'), its got a u-joint up where it joins the bottom of the steering wheel shaft. I just put a nw u-joint on 3 months ago. Better but still has something going on. Down at the pump it has another joint. Is this the "rag joint" you guys speak of? I too am having troubles with the steering, I jacked it and pulled on the tires to check for wear in ball joints and such, but found none. I have slight play in wheel before it grabs to do actual turning. I was guessing the joint by the steering box, I haven't seen any cracks in the frame yet. Is mine the same joint as you guys are talking about? Anything else to check for? Thanks Blair

Jan 12, 2003 | 12:47 AM

#14

GeneStoner

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From: Great NW

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

Nope. The "Rag Joint" (about 4" in diameter) is a rubber disc that supposedly isolates road vibrations and couples the upper and lower steering shaft. Sounds like you have something different...

Jan 12, 2003 | 10:28 PM

#15

fordblue_ca

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From: Coquitlam, BC Canada

Replacing the "Rag Joint"

My Rag joint(just checked it after reading this) is definitly gone, but I have another question, at the top of the rag joint that metal plate seems to be bent up(say towards the steeing wheel) where it hits those metal studs that it is not suposed to hit.

Is this normal