I have a 1970 F100 Sport Custom Explorer that originally had 3 on the tree manual transmission and manual steering. I need a new rag joint steering coupler and I'm having difficulty determining the correct part to get. Some sponsers are showing overlap between years and models that others show different. What years are compatible? Does manual or power steering matter? Has anyone found one that defninitely works?

Ken

 

I usually got my at Azone in the "HELP" section. I "think" the rag portion is pretty generic, as I have had both power and non power steering trucks and used the same Azone unit.

 

Spend some money and get a high quality unit from Ford or waste your time replacing it again on cheap crap your local junk parts store supplier sells. I bet it's made in China. Sid by side comparisons will make you sick.

 

Can I still get one from Ford and if so what part # do I ask for? The local Ford dealer is extremely unhelpful about getting parts for anything over 5 years old, for a 1970 they practically laugh you out the door.

 

One of our members by the name "numbersdummy" was a Ford parts man, he has all the parts numbers.
I replaced my rag joint 5 years ago on the 68CS thru a Ford truck dealer, they handle 3/4 ton on up to big series. Not a problem.

 

Correct Ford Part Number

C9UZ3A525A .. Steering Coupler aka "Rag Joint"

Fits: 1969/74 F100/350 2WD / C9UZ3A525A is a Ford updated part number: it replaces: C9TZ3A525B & D3TZ3A525A.

From FTE sponsor y2kfordparts ~ Ford suggested list price: $72.03 / FTE member net $51.86.

y2kfordparts online link is on the forum main page...refresh till it appears. But you may not have to...because....

y2kfordparts is: Millennium Ford in...uh...uh....Seattle!!

14600 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien

Speak to the parts manager, he handles FTE members orders.

 

I'm all for buying good stuff, but never had issues with ones I bought locally. And since usually in a pinch, couldn't wait for anything else.

 

If you go to a NAPA store and ask for a rag joint for a Ford, that is all they need to know. They have a kit that I have used on many vehicles including a 70 F100, and several 87-93 Mustangs. I think that the last one I bought was about $15.00, but it has been a while. I still have two hanging on the wall in my garage. The quality is good and I have never had one fail.

 

But what does the kit consist of? The rubber insulator and some clips.

That may do it for some ppl, but if the splined portion of the joint is worn, or has rounded out, or the bolt that holds the coupling to the input shaft has stripped the threads, just replacing the rubber is a waste of time and money, because it won't solve the problem.

Installing that rubber insulator on the old coupling takes time and the patience of a saint.

In addition, the kits are universal, and may have to be modified to work.

Some steering couplers with 4WD come only on a shaft and then the whole tamale must be replaced.

In a pinch or if the original joint is obsolete...go ahead and use it, but...

...there's no substitute for the real thing.

There's two things on a vehicle you don't want to mess around with: Steering & Brakes.

If the coupler comes apart = you have NO steering control because you've lost the connection between the steering wheel and the steering box.

 

I must add to this numbersdummy; those people that cut a section out of the column shaft then sleeve and bolt it together or just chop and weld.

 

Well, Bill, Of course you are right. If you have complex problems, get the right part and fix it properly. I respect your knowledge and experience, but over the past 50 years I have repaired more vehicles than I could count. Everything from total restorations to engine and transmission rebuilds. Mostly Fords, but also a lot of GM, Chrysler, Volkswagon, etc. and I still say that if all you need is a new rag joint, the NAPA kit is fine.

 

There is a safety built into the rag joint. You'll notice TWO stems(different sizes) that interlock the two parts. This is to make sure that "IF" the joint comes apart, you'll have some kind of steering. Not the best, but better then "no steering at all".

 

Well, I got the genuine ford part (thanks NumberDummy for the number) and had it installed along with a new Red-Head steering gear box. Its much easiser to handle now but it needs new king pins and bushings now. Its always something.

 

Ok last time I added to a thread that was 7 years old it got into a big hoopla.

All I'm asking is to confirm this part C9UZ3A525A. Does fit the 1970 model. Pictures look good and I can find it on Amazon just can't safely confirm.

Help only no back lash. I searched lol

 

Don't feel bad, I read the entire thread and didn't notice the date till you post. Thanks for bringing it up, I needed the part number too. It should be the same for a 70 model too.