Rag Joint (Coupler) Replacement

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 19, 2006 | 07:46 AM

jfarcas

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 242

Likes: 0

Rag Joint (Coupler) Replacement

Hey guys, I'm working on a '76 F150 Supercab, 2wd. The rag joint that connects the steering shaft to the steering box is totally broken, so I have almost a half-wheel turn of play in my steering at highway speeds (kinda dangerous). I'm going to replace it, but haven't done one before and I haven't had the time to buy a Haynes manual yet.

Can anyone give me a rundown of how to replace the coupler? It look as though I'm going to have to move the steering shaft backwards towards the firewall in order to have enough room to slip off the old coupler, but I'm not sure.

Thanks! (I'll post some pics later today if it helps)

JF

Jul 19, 2006 | 11:15 AM

fordin K

Junior User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 90

Likes: 0

From: Kapaa, Hawaii

just like that ! don't know if yours is riveted or nut and bolt, as soon as you separate both halves, the joint should be no problem.

Jul 20, 2006 | 10:37 AM

jfarcas

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 242

Likes: 0

Mine bolts together, and has two studs to connect with the steering shaft if the coupler bends too far or breaks (like mine did).

The reason I asked about having to move the shaft is because I figured it was secured also on the stering wheel side. Are you saying that after I disconnect the shaft at the joint, then I'll be able to move the steering shaft back with no problem?

Thanks!

JF

Jul 20, 2006 | 01:30 PM

73Custom

Postmaster

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 2,838

Likes: 6

From: SD

The steering shaft should not slide in the column. You will need to loosen the column from the dash, so the whole column can move back a couple inches. Once the column is out of the way, you may need to remove the lower portion of the coupler to be able to drill out the rivets that hold the rubber disk to the metal coupler. Most parts stores have a $10 kit with the disks and replacement bolts and studs. It's a pretty easy project.

Marty

Jul 20, 2006 | 05:00 PM

jfarcas

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 242

Likes: 0

Thanks Marty. I was going to return that 10.00 "HELP!! coupler, but maybe I'll just grind off the rivets and give it a shot. It would be helpful to have some tight(er) steering! The previous owner said it was like that when he bought it 10 years ago, and he never changed it - really amazes me how people deal with mechanical problems, eh?

JF

Jul 21, 2006 | 09:43 PM

jfarcas

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 242

Likes: 0

So, I tried to replace the coupler today, but couldn't get the column to move backwards at all. I took off the nuts from the joint, took off the cover plate inside the dash, loosened the two 1/2" bolts that support the column onto the dash - but couldn't get it to move. Do I need to pull the steering wheel?

(If so, it's no big deal - I think I need a turn signal switch as well)

Thanks!

JF

Jul 23, 2006 | 10:24 AM

Pickupmanx2

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 5,690

Likes: 1,010

From: Near Yosemite CA

yep, pull steering wheel, then there is a bearing and bushings on both sides of column, top, in the cab, and bottom in enginecompartment, might want to see about replacing them to, makes a BIG difference also.