Replacing the Rag Joint
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Perth Western Australia
Replacing the Rag Joint
Well after looking at a lot of posts and checking my steering on my 79 LWB F100 I can tell that the rag joint is the main problem 
What I want to know is what you do about the wear on the steering shaft?
From looking at the rag joint there is a bolt that goes through the fibre disc's and holds them together, there is a lot of slop side to side on that bolt which I can see a new fibre disc set would fix,
What I can't work out is that on the end of the steering shaft is a plate with 2 "U" shaped cut outs and on the "rag joint" there are 2 lugs (one seems about 1/2" diam and the other `3/8" diam) that fit into the "U" shaped cut outs but the cutouts seem so worn that the steering wheel can rock nearly 1/4 of a turn without putting significant pressure on the steering box
Does anyone make rag joints with oversize lugs or do I need a new steering shaft or would it be possible do you think to sleeve the lugs and machine the cut outs to fit
What I want to know is what you do about the wear on the steering shaft?
From looking at the rag joint there is a bolt that goes through the fibre disc's and holds them together, there is a lot of slop side to side on that bolt which I can see a new fibre disc set would fix,
What I can't work out is that on the end of the steering shaft is a plate with 2 "U" shaped cut outs and on the "rag joint" there are 2 lugs (one seems about 1/2" diam and the other `3/8" diam) that fit into the "U" shaped cut outs but the cutouts seem so worn that the steering wheel can rock nearly 1/4 of a turn without putting significant pressure on the steering box
Does anyone make rag joints with oversize lugs or do I need a new steering shaft or would it be possible do you think to sleeve the lugs and machine the cut outs to fit
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Williamson, NY
I don't believe the lugs you speak of are not designed to be a tight fit between the U-shaped metal cut outs. The rag-joint is designed to be a flexible coupling to reduce vibration and the lug setup is just there to limit the amount of flex of the rag-joint. They sell rag-joint repair kits in the "Help" section of most auto otive parts stores. You might also want to check the plastic bushing on the end of the steering column near the rag-joint for wear. I'm in the process of rebuilding my 77 F150 column and the plastic column bushing was in real bad shape. To remove an original rag-joint, you'll have to grind off the two studs that hold the rag-joint assembly together. The rebuild kit will come with hardware to replace these studs. You can purchase complete rag-joint assemblies, but they are a lot more expensive than the rebuild kits.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2007
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Just did ours with a steering box replacement. From what I can tell when I had it apart, the 'lugs' are there as a backup to the main two nuts and bolts that secure the rag joint to the input shaft. You'll have two lugs, and two nuts and bolts which secures the joint to the steering shaft.
Our replacement did not have very large "Lugs", but actually a bit smaller then the factory one. Upon inspection, if all things where fine with the coupler? The lugs should not really come into play with normal steering, unless the nut/bolt happens to tear free. Then the lugs into the end of the shaft would come into play as a safety backup.
At least that is how I viewed the construction of this part. And of course, if I'm wrong someone will come along and correct me.
S-
Our replacement did not have very large "Lugs", but actually a bit smaller then the factory one. Upon inspection, if all things where fine with the coupler? The lugs should not really come into play with normal steering, unless the nut/bolt happens to tear free. Then the lugs into the end of the shaft would come into play as a safety backup.
At least that is how I viewed the construction of this part. And of course, if I'm wrong someone will come along and correct me.
S-
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Freshman User
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From: Perth Western Australia
Originally Posted by cujo8
You might also want to check the plastic bushing on the end of the steering column near the rag-joint for wear. I'm in the process of rebuilding my 77 F150 column and the plastic column bushing was in real bad shape.
Are you talking about in the steering column tube that goes into the cab?
I remember on my previous vehicle (78 SWB F100 4WD) that there was a plastic insert in the end of the column with a bearing in it but couldn't see one on this vehicle
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Freshman User
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From: Perth Western Australia
Originally Posted by Tedybear
Our replacement did not have very large "Lugs", but actually a bit smaller then the factory one. Upon inspection, if all things where fine with the coupler? The lugs should not really come into play with normal steering, unless the nut/bolt happens to tear free. Then the lugs into the end of the shaft would come into play as a safety backup.
S-
S-
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Rag Joint aka steering coupler 1978/79 F100/350
D8TZ-3A525-A .. Steering Coupler (rag joint)-1978/79 F100/350 2WD with Power Steering.
D8TZ-3A525-D .. Steering Coupler-1978/79 F100/350 2WD with Manual Steering.
Both are obsolete from Ford.
4WD's are completely different and are composed of a shaft and coupling.
Green Sales has 7 of the first type, 2 of the second: 800-543-4959.
D8TZ-3A525-D .. Steering Coupler-1978/79 F100/350 2WD with Manual Steering.
Both are obsolete from Ford.
4WD's are completely different and are composed of a shaft and coupling.
Green Sales has 7 of the first type, 2 of the second: 800-543-4959.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,118
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From: Williamson, NY
Originally Posted by Para045
I don't remember seeing any plastic bushing on the steering shaft?
Are you talking about in the steering column tube that goes into the cab?
I remember on my previous vehicle (78 SWB F100 4WD) that there was a plastic insert in the end of the column with a bearing in it but couldn't see one on this vehicle
Are you talking about in the steering column tube that goes into the cab?
I remember on my previous vehicle (78 SWB F100 4WD) that there was a plastic insert in the end of the column with a bearing in it but couldn't see one on this vehicle
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: US/Baja border
Originally Posted by Tedybear
Just did ours with a steering box replacement. From what I can tell when I had it apart, the 'lugs' are there as a backup to the main two nuts and bolts that secure the rag joint to the input shaft. You'll have two lugs, and two nuts and bolts which secures the joint to the steering shaft.
Our replacement did not have very large "Lugs", but actually a bit smaller then the factory one. Upon inspection, if all things where fine with the coupler? The lugs should not really come into play with normal steering, unless the nut/bolt happens to tear free. Then the lugs into the end of the shaft would come into play as a safety backup.
At least that is how I viewed the construction of this part. And of course, if I'm wrong someone will come along and correct me.
S-
Our replacement did not have very large "Lugs", but actually a bit smaller then the factory one. Upon inspection, if all things where fine with the coupler? The lugs should not really come into play with normal steering, unless the nut/bolt happens to tear free. Then the lugs into the end of the shaft would come into play as a safety backup.
At least that is how I viewed the construction of this part. And of course, if I'm wrong someone will come along and correct me.
S-
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by cujo8
Yes the plastic bushing I'm talking about does go into the steering column tube and the steering shaft goes through it. Mine was all plastic and there was no bearing in mine,
but your 79 may be diffierent.
but your 79 may be diffierent.
1978/79's with a tilt wheel use D3TZ-3D681-A which is composed of a bearing, retainer and sleeve. These parts are also available separately.
1978/79's without a tilt wheel use D9TZ-3C773-B .. Bushing.
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Perth Western Australia
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
D8TZ-3A525-A .. Steering Coupler (rag joint)-1978/79 F100/350 2WD with Power Steering.
D8TZ-3A525-D .. Steering Coupler-1978/79 F100/350 2WD with Manual Steering.
Both are obsolete from Ford.
4WD's are completely different and are composed of a shaft and coupling.
Green Sales has 7 of the first type, 2 of the second: <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = SKYPE /><SKYPE:SPAN onmouseup="javascript:skype_tb_imgOnOff(this,1,'1' ,true,'');return skype_tb_stopEvents();" class=skype_tb_injection oncontextmenu="javascript:skype_tb_SwitchDrop(this ,'1','sms=0',true);return skype_tb_stopEvents();" onmousedown="javascript:skype_tb_imgOnOff(this,2,' 1',true,'');return skype_tb_stopEvents();" id=softomate_highlight_1 onmouseover="javascript:skype_tb_imgOnOff(this,1,' 1',true,'');" title="Call this phone number in United States of America with Skype: +18005434959" onclick="javascript:doRunCMD('call','1',null,0);re turn skype_tb_stopEvents();" onmouseout="javascript:skype_tb_imgOnOff(this,0,'1 ',true,'');" context="800-543-4959"><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_nop> </SKYPE:SPAN><SKYPE:SPAN onmouseup="javascript:doSkypeFlag(this,'1',1,1);re turn skype_tb_stopEvents();" class=skype_tb_imgA_flex onmousedown="javascript:doSkypeFlag(this,'1',2,1); return skype_tb_stopEvents();" id=skype_tb_droppart_1 onmouseover="javascript:doSkypeFlag(this,'1',1,1); " title="Change country code ..." onclick="javascript:doHandleChdial(this,1,'1',1);r eturn skype_tb_stopEvents();" onmouseout="javascript:doSkypeFlag(this,'1',0,1);" > <SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_nop> </SKYPE:SPAN><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_imgFlag id=skype_tb_img_f1 style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(C:\DOCUME~1\Laura\LOCALS~1\Temp\__SkypeIEToolb ar_Cache\d632e8e4efb12ac2f8b4c147250be8b2\static\f amfamfam/US.gif)"> </SKYPE:SPAN> <SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_nop> </SKYPE:SPAN></SKYPE:SPAN><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_imgS id=skype_tb_img_s1> </SKYPE:SPAN><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_injectionIn id=skype_tb_text1><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_innerText id=skype_tb_innerText1>800-543-4959</SKYPE:SPAN></SKYPE:SPAN><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_imgR id=skype_tb_img_r1> <SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_nop> </SKYPE:SPAN></SKYPE:SPAN></SKYPE:SPAN> .
D8TZ-3A525-D .. Steering Coupler-1978/79 F100/350 2WD with Manual Steering.
Both are obsolete from Ford.
4WD's are completely different and are composed of a shaft and coupling.
Green Sales has 7 of the first type, 2 of the second: <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = SKYPE /><SKYPE:SPAN onmouseup="javascript:skype_tb_imgOnOff(this,1,'1' ,true,'');return skype_tb_stopEvents();" class=skype_tb_injection oncontextmenu="javascript:skype_tb_SwitchDrop(this ,'1','sms=0',true);return skype_tb_stopEvents();" onmousedown="javascript:skype_tb_imgOnOff(this,2,' 1',true,'');return skype_tb_stopEvents();" id=softomate_highlight_1 onmouseover="javascript:skype_tb_imgOnOff(this,1,' 1',true,'');" title="Call this phone number in United States of America with Skype: +18005434959" onclick="javascript:doRunCMD('call','1',null,0);re turn skype_tb_stopEvents();" onmouseout="javascript:skype_tb_imgOnOff(this,0,'1 ',true,'');" context="800-543-4959"><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_nop> </SKYPE:SPAN><SKYPE:SPAN onmouseup="javascript:doSkypeFlag(this,'1',1,1);re turn skype_tb_stopEvents();" class=skype_tb_imgA_flex onmousedown="javascript:doSkypeFlag(this,'1',2,1); return skype_tb_stopEvents();" id=skype_tb_droppart_1 onmouseover="javascript:doSkypeFlag(this,'1',1,1); " title="Change country code ..." onclick="javascript:doHandleChdial(this,1,'1',1);r eturn skype_tb_stopEvents();" onmouseout="javascript:doSkypeFlag(this,'1',0,1);" > <SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_nop> </SKYPE:SPAN><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_imgFlag id=skype_tb_img_f1 style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(C:\DOCUME~1\Laura\LOCALS~1\Temp\__SkypeIEToolb ar_Cache\d632e8e4efb12ac2f8b4c147250be8b2\static\f amfamfam/US.gif)"> </SKYPE:SPAN> <SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_nop> </SKYPE:SPAN></SKYPE:SPAN><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_imgS id=skype_tb_img_s1> </SKYPE:SPAN><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_injectionIn id=skype_tb_text1><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_innerText id=skype_tb_innerText1>800-543-4959</SKYPE:SPAN></SKYPE:SPAN><SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_imgR id=skype_tb_img_r1> <SKYPE:SPAN class=skype_tb_nop> </SKYPE:SPAN></SKYPE:SPAN></SKYPE:SPAN> .
The problem is as I am in Australia I am unsure exactly what type of column is in it
I know the 4WD was completely different as I replaced the couplers on my previous 78 F100 4WD and the column was completely different as it had a plastic cap on the end with a bearing
Also trying to find anything out at an Aussie Ford dealer is pointless (has been since I had my 78 10 years ago)
Originally Posted by cujo8
Yes the plastic bushing I'm talking about does go into the steering column tube and the steering shaft goes through it. Mine was all plastic and there was no bearing in mine, but your 79 may be diffierent.
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
Could be.
1978/79's with a tilt wheel use D3TZ-3D681-A which is composed of a bearing, retainer and sleeve. These parts are also available separately.
1978/79's without a tilt wheel use D9TZ-3C773-B .. Bushing.
1978/79's with a tilt wheel use D3TZ-3D681-A which is composed of a bearing, retainer and sleeve. These parts are also available separately.
1978/79's without a tilt wheel use D9TZ-3C773-B .. Bushing.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The Ford tilt wheel mechanism used back then works off the turn signal switch handle...there no separate handle like there was later in the 1980's.
When told where the "handle" is, you'd be amazed on how many ppl (especially with cars), discover they have a tilt wheel.
When told where the "handle" is, you'd be amazed on how many ppl (especially with cars), discover they have a tilt wheel.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 25
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From: Perth Western Australia
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
The Ford tilt wheel mechanism used back then works off the turn signal switch handle...there no separate handle like there was later in the 1980's.
When told where the "handle" is, you'd be amazed on how many ppl (especially with cars), discover they have a tilt wheel.
When told where the "handle" is, you'd be amazed on how many ppl (especially with cars), discover they have a tilt wheel.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by Para045
I am thinking it was just something the forgot about over here as I have been in and driven many F series and owned 2 (+ rebuilt the 4WD column) and have not seen a tilt mechanism
First year for tilt wheel in a passenger car = 1967.
On both, it was an option.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2005
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G'day Para
Just an off topic question Para Ordinance?
Last weekend I pulled my steering cloumn and MIG welded, remachined the worn slots and machined new pins ( old CAT head bolts should be tough enough)
I'm in Perth If it helps.
Unfortunatly cant tell you how well this works as I broke a crankshaft and did this whilst I'm building a new stroker motor.
I belive new "poly" rag joints are available as well. A mate has one in an early F1 hotrod.
Hope this helps
Mike
Just an off topic question Para Ordinance?
Last weekend I pulled my steering cloumn and MIG welded, remachined the worn slots and machined new pins ( old CAT head bolts should be tough enough)
I'm in Perth If it helps.
Unfortunatly cant tell you how well this works as I broke a crankshaft and did this whilst I'm building a new stroker motor.
I belive new "poly" rag joints are available as well. A mate has one in an early F1 hotrod.
Hope this helps
Mike
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Perth Western Australia
Originally Posted by effie351
G'day Para
Just an off topic question Para Ordinance? YES
Last weekend I pulled my steering column and MIG welded, remachined the worn slots and machined new pins ( old CAT head bolts should be tough enough)
I'm in Perth If it helps. Interesting
Unfortunately cant tell you how well this works as I broke a crankshaft and did this whilst I'm building a new stroker motor.
I believe new "poly" rag joints are available as well. A mate has one in an early F1 hotrod.
Hope this helps
Mike
Just an off topic question Para Ordinance? YES
Last weekend I pulled my steering column and MIG welded, remachined the worn slots and machined new pins ( old CAT head bolts should be tough enough)
I'm in Perth If it helps. Interesting
Unfortunately cant tell you how well this works as I broke a crankshaft and did this whilst I'm building a new stroker motor.
I believe new "poly" rag joints are available as well. A mate has one in an early F1 hotrod.
Hope this helps
Mike