"coupler" between steering box and steeing shaft?
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"coupler" between steering box and steeing shaft?
My truck is a 1977 f-150, 460 fully loaded. My problem is the device that connects the power steering box to the steering shaft has failed. The coupler is the one with the conveyor belt like material that allows the shaft to bend somewhat, yet remain connected. Sure Ive seen thousands but I do not know the name of the part. Yes it is simple to undo the 12 point 1/2 inch bolts on both sides and the part is loose but how the heck do you easily slip a new or used one over the stubs of the box and the shaft. Is it easier to loosen the steering box? Or is the answer to loosen the steering column from the dash to get enough seperation to slip in the coupler? There is just NO room to manouver under the hood. I totally changed the entire column on my 77 econoline in order to gain a tilt wheel system. I remember that being quite a chore!!!. Whats the best and easiest way fellas?
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Tennessee
It is called a rag joint. You can find them in the 'Help' aisle at Autozone. I pulled my steering column loose. It is a tight fit working under the hood, especially with a 460. If you have an automatic, be careful not the bend the neutral safety switch on the column. You'll scratch you head for an hour or so wondering why your truck won't turn over. Don't ask me how I know. 
Jeremy
Jeremy
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Thanks JD
That method was my guess. I have'nt bought one yet. We have no AUto Zone's in Canada, so I'm gonna try a used one. Tried Melin Ford here in town and they just shrug when your talking about a 30 year old part. Through my Van conversion to Tilt with cruise in the wheel, I learned also there is a jumper wire on the more loaded ones that must also remain intact. It allows the cruise and horn etc to maintain contact as the belt material is an insulator. Must jump from metel to metal on both sides of the "RAG Joint" (thanks for that name info)
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Actually Murray... Just find a piece of conveyor belt and cut that to shape with a jigsaw and install that.
Any concrete plant will have piece laying around./
The part that is packaged in the blister pak H.E.L.P. section is inferior.
Any concrete plant will have piece laying around./
The part that is packaged in the blister pak H.E.L.P. section is inferior.
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I like the idea of a new one better than used.
Would rather buy new than a junk yard one that is already really old. I've seen this part on many many Fords. Why then would a large dealer tell me they could not supply an original????? And when and why did Ford stop using this part. By that I mean is one from a 90's Crown Vic not exactly the same????
Last question..... How hard a job was the change out?
Last question..... How hard a job was the change out?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 821
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From: hohenwald, tn
not too hard to change. grind off some 2 rivets loosen 2 bolts and replace with the bolts in the kit i bought. i was tired and in a rush so when i took it apart i didn't pay attention, and it took me an hour or so to put it back together. but i got it. take a picture or pay attention, the kits have lots of extra bolts, and you need to pay attention on how to reconnect. watch for the wire across it that makes the horn work.
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