Steering rag joint replacement

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Sep 7, 2007 | 11:11 AM

jmkelly

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Steering rag joint replacement

I have some excessive play in the steering wheel of my `86 F150. I replaced the steering box, and this seemed to help out quite a bit. However, there is still quite a bit of play in the wheel, and the truck wanders all over the road. I've noticed the "rag" joint at the bottom of the steering shaft is real loose - when my buddy moves the steering wheel, the joint just kind of slops around. How do you replace this joint? I've searched the forums, and I see several people have replaced the rag joint with good results, but after looking at it, there doesn't appear to be an easy way to take it off the shaft. Any ideas?

Sep 7, 2007 | 03:52 PM

ri_truck_guy

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Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Suffolk, VA USA

You need to remove the intermediate steering shaft to change the rag joint. To remove the shaft first remove the pinch bolt where the rag joint connects to the steering box. Then use a screwdriver or small pry bar to move the shaft back towards the firewall until it disengages from the steering box. To remove the upper end of the intermediate shaft, remove the through bolt and clip in the shaft near the firewall, then slide the intermediate shaft down. Once you have it out of the vehicle you'll need to cut the rivets that go through the rag joint and the "wings" at the end of the intermediate shaft. I used a sawzall to cut them through the rubber of the joint, then knocked the remaining ends through the wings of the shaft. The new rag joint installs with bolts through the holes in the wings. Reinstall the intermediate shaft in the opposite order of above.

Sep 7, 2007 | 11:55 PM

Piffery1

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From: Niceville, FL.

ri_truck_guy is just "right-on" in his description.

Sep 8, 2007 | 09:32 AM

jmkelly

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Hey, thanks. I wasn't sure if there was some way to unbolt the whole thing, or if I had to start cutting or grinding. Figures it wouldn't be the easy way.

Sep 8, 2007 | 01:53 PM

95Ford4x4

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Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Pensacola, FL

i bought a borgeson shaft for my 78, was one of the best mods i made, it elimates the rag joint with u-joints. it's more expensive that way, but you never have to worry about it breaking or replacing it. i was running 36" tires and broke a couple rag joints before going this route. made a world of difference in the feel and control.

Sep 9, 2007 | 10:33 PM

dadstan76

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From: rural Idaho

A Borgeson shaft will set you back about $240 or roughly the cost of 24 rag joints.

Sep 10, 2007 | 08:28 AM

95Ford4x4

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Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Pensacola, FL

it's been about 7yrs since i had mine, they were around $170 then. i'd stick with the rag joints on a stock vehicle, but if you are hard on a truck or have big tires like i did it's the best way to go. also, if you have a leaking power steering hose that's right above the joint that will shorten the life of the rag joint also.