Source for rag joint?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 25
From: NJ
Source for rag joint?
No luck finding a rag joint for my '86 F-250 My joint is shot, lots of free play. Advance got me a joint that was a Lares 204, but it's the wrong size. The splines are correct but the joint is too large, the bolts are spaced too far apart to bolt to the steering shaft.
pep Boys was a mistake as every time I go in there. Called one store and the idiot deserving of a flogging told me the part number for a drag link and sent me to another store to pick it up. They don't sell a rag joint for my truck.
Autozone doesn't sell one either. No other stores around here except NAPA, which is always closed when normal people work on their vehicles.
Couldn't find a rag joint online either, on RockAuto or a google search. Did find this though,and as considering it if it's a bolt in deal...
Poly Performance JEEP/TRUCK & BUGGY :: Steering :: Steering Shafts :: Borgeson 80-87 Fullsize Ford Truck Steering Shaft - 4x4 Off-Road, JK Synergy Suspension Systems, Fox Racing Shox, Beard, CNC Brakes, Johnny Joints®, Currie Enterprises, Edelbrock,
Any other upgraded options for a steering shaft (I could probably make one from parts from Summit if need be). What has anyone else done to replace worn rag joints on these trucks? Anyone have a part number or source?
pep Boys was a mistake as every time I go in there. Called one store and the idiot deserving of a flogging told me the part number for a drag link and sent me to another store to pick it up. They don't sell a rag joint for my truck.
Autozone doesn't sell one either. No other stores around here except NAPA, which is always closed when normal people work on their vehicles.
Couldn't find a rag joint online either, on RockAuto or a google search. Did find this though,and as considering it if it's a bolt in deal...
Poly Performance JEEP/TRUCK & BUGGY :: Steering :: Steering Shafts :: Borgeson 80-87 Fullsize Ford Truck Steering Shaft - 4x4 Off-Road, JK Synergy Suspension Systems, Fox Racing Shox, Beard, CNC Brakes, Johnny Joints®, Currie Enterprises, Edelbrock,
Any other upgraded options for a steering shaft (I could probably make one from parts from Summit if need be). What has anyone else done to replace worn rag joints on these trucks? Anyone have a part number or source?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
I would think jegs.com would have the rag joint. A good upgrade is the Borgeson type intermediate steering shaft with u-joints at each end to replace the rag joint and slip joint. You can usually find these at reasonable price on ebay.
Methanoholic
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 8
From: Maine (NorCal Native)
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 25
From: NJ
Ordered a Borgeson steering shaft. Not worth using another rag joint when there are quick and easy upgrades available.
Borgeson makes two shafts for these trucks. 000980 is a regular steer shaft with two ujoints. 000985 is the same shaft but with a vibration reducer, presumable in one of the ujoints there is a rubber damping ring. It's about a $50 upgrade to get the damping shaft. I was debating on it but that shaft is on backorder on the few places I checked (2-3 weeks until shipment). I decided I'd rather have the non dampening shaft anyhow, as it has no rubber to break down and wear out.
I ordered from KLM Performance, which had it cheaper than Summit $10 or so) and is closer so 1 day shipping vs 2 for Summit, assuming they ship it out today.
Looking forward to getting this shaft. Right now my rag joint is completely degraded, the disc is so soft the only transfer of steering is through the metal safety rings on the joint. This shaft should be the last piece, then everything in my steering from shaft to wheel bearings will be new or less than two years old. Should be a dream to drive then.
Borgeson makes two shafts for these trucks. 000980 is a regular steer shaft with two ujoints. 000985 is the same shaft but with a vibration reducer, presumable in one of the ujoints there is a rubber damping ring. It's about a $50 upgrade to get the damping shaft. I was debating on it but that shaft is on backorder on the few places I checked (2-3 weeks until shipment). I decided I'd rather have the non dampening shaft anyhow, as it has no rubber to break down and wear out.
I ordered from KLM Performance, which had it cheaper than Summit $10 or so) and is closer so 1 day shipping vs 2 for Summit, assuming they ship it out today.
Looking forward to getting this shaft. Right now my rag joint is completely degraded, the disc is so soft the only transfer of steering is through the metal safety rings on the joint. This shaft should be the last piece, then everything in my steering from shaft to wheel bearings will be new or less than two years old. Should be a dream to drive then.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
Those aftermarket shafts are nice but too expensive for me right now. Mine has a problem with the "double D" slip joint part being sloppy. This part of the shaft seems to be impossible to find also, seems there is a plastic shim piece that takes the play out of that part of the assembly.
Without the rubber damper piece, you might get a hydraulic "hissing" noise coming from the steering wheel when you turn the wheel.
Without the rubber damper piece, you might get a hydraulic "hissing" noise coming from the steering wheel when you turn the wheel.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Funny, I used a Dorman/Motormite 31008 steering coupler a few years ago.
Are these now unavailable?
Edit: I looked, $16.99 on Amazon today.
Are these now unavailable?
Edit: I looked, $16.99 on Amazon today.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2008
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hmm kit in autozone help section..... costs 10 bucks ......took 30 min to change start to finish...........86 f250 4x4 ...........
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