Rag Joint Replacement
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 286
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From: Ousley, GA
Rag Joint Replacement
I had a previous thread "How Do I Remove Steering Wheel Play?".
The rag joint is the problem and needs to be replaced. I got some great advice but wanted to get specific on some things before I leave work to swap the thing out.
It's a '76 F150 with factory PS.
Will all of the original rag joint parts unbolt or will I need to grind.
76supercab2 gave me the heads up on how to move things out of the way for the joint removal, I am now looking for the heads up on the actual joint removal/replacement. I find it much easier to follow the directions of those who have already tackled these tasks and will let you know what TO do and what NOT TO do.
Thanks.
The rag joint is the problem and needs to be replaced. I got some great advice but wanted to get specific on some things before I leave work to swap the thing out.
It's a '76 F150 with factory PS.
Will all of the original rag joint parts unbolt or will I need to grind.
76supercab2 gave me the heads up on how to move things out of the way for the joint removal, I am now looking for the heads up on the actual joint removal/replacement. I find it much easier to follow the directions of those who have already tackled these tasks and will let you know what TO do and what NOT TO do.
Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 2
From: Lewistown, PA
No, you shouldn't have to grind anything. Just unbolt the rag joint from the steering box, there should be a 12 point bolt holding it on. If your truck has a collapsible steering staft, you should be able to compress it far enough to slide the old joint out.
You also need to unbolt the rag joint from the flange on the steering shaft.
When I replaced mine, I had to unbolt the steering column from the firewall and swing it down towards the seat to bring the steering shaft away from the box. This is because my steering shaft is not collapsible. It's not hard either way, it just takes a little longer if you have to do it the way I did. The collapsible shaft makes it easier though, should be a 10-15 min job this way.
I bought my rag joint from Jeff's Bronco Graveyard.
You also need to unbolt the rag joint from the flange on the steering shaft.
When I replaced mine, I had to unbolt the steering column from the firewall and swing it down towards the seat to bring the steering shaft away from the box. This is because my steering shaft is not collapsible. It's not hard either way, it just takes a little longer if you have to do it the way I did. The collapsible shaft makes it easier though, should be a 10-15 min job this way.
I bought my rag joint from Jeff's Bronco Graveyard.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Ousley, GA
Thanks. That's what I was hoping to hear. I had heard of people having to grind two of the bolts off as they were actually factory rivets. As you can imagine I was not looking forward to that!
76supercab2 told me how to move the shaft out of the way for the joint removal. I do not have a collapsable shaft so it will take a little longer. Either way it appears to be a lot less work than I was fearing.
76supercab2 told me how to move the shaft out of the way for the joint removal. I do not have a collapsable shaft so it will take a little longer. Either way it appears to be a lot less work than I was fearing.
