Steering rag coupling...
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Joined: Mar 2001
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Steering rag coupling...
Hey guys, I've listened to your inputs about replacing the rag joint for improved steering - less slop. I found a very cheap replacement (~8 bucks) that's basically a round piece of nylon with some holes. The instructions say to grind off the posts and use the ones that come in the kit. Have any of you installed one of these cheapo couplings? I think I have to loosen the steering wheel housing and slide the assembly partially up and out to get the lower coupling off the gearbox. HAve any of you done this?
'79 F-100 2WD 300-6 AT C4
'79 F-100 2WD 300-6 AT C4
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Benton County, MN
Steering rag coupling...
I have had to do this a couple of times. The peice you have is a rebuild kit. The actual unit is between 40 and 80 bucks depending on who you get it from. You will have to unbolt the coupling from the gear box and slide the shaft up to get it off. I don't know about the 2 wheel drives but my 4x4 has a slip shaft and it just slides in side. If not you will have to unbolt whatever you have to so you can get that sucker off of the gearbox. The easiest would probably to unbolt the steering column at the firewall.
People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
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Steering rag coupling...
All of the rag joints appear to be the same. In fact I think most, if not all, are from China or Korea. Based on my personal experience, don't expect a miracle after replacing the rag joint. I thought replacement would cure my steering woes, but have since realized my poor steering is gear box related. Still, $8.00 is a pretty cheap invetment, especially on a 30+ year old truck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,351
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From: Benton County, MN
Steering rag coupling...
The only thing you should worry about when tightening up the adjusting nut is how worn the gears are. If they are worn in the center position when you are driving straight and the rest of the gears are not as worn, when you turn it will cause your steering to bind.
People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
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From: Virginia
Steering rag coupling...
Your steering box can get in a bind if you tighten it up and it is not in the center of it's travel. It's designed to be tighter in the center than on either end of it's travel. It can get off sometimes by the tie rod ends being out of adjustment-even if the alignment is correct. I don't know if a drag link style steering can get off center or not, it could if the drag link was adjustable.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 309
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From: michigan
Steering rag coupling...
kinda putting your safety at risk, don't ya think. $8.00 for a cheap rag joint what does that tell you. i'll give you my best advise, you can use it or not. spend the extra dollars and buy the right one from the dealer. once they break that's all no steering. ya i know you probally don't want someone saying what to do but keeping yourself alive is a great advantage. cheap is cheap... i'd never jeopardize my safety with cheap stuff.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,351
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From: Benton County, MN
Steering rag coupling...
Cobra Jet, They are talking about a rebuild kit. All it does is replaces the rubber joint and a couple of nuts and bolts. You still use the original sections that slip onto the shafts. How many people are going to run out a buy a brand spankin new engine over rebuilding or having their original rebuilt. Even though the cost of comparing these two just does not compare, it is just the principle. I have rebuilt two rag joint assemblies and if you read the directions and do it right they work just fine. I am not saying rebuilding the old unit is the way to go, it is just an option. If you can even get rag joint assemblies for these trucks still, I'm sure they would have to be a special order. That 8 buck rebuild could be a quick fix if you need your truck until you get your new one. I actually had mine break on my 78 f-150 4x4 and that was a pretty intense moment. I could not find any parts supplier that could get me the whole assmbly for my specific truck so I had to rebuild it. I never did try Ford though. I could find smaller ones for rangers and stuff like that with no problem.
People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.
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