Rag Joint

[Cincinnati Guy]

My rag joint is toast! Was held together by high strength rope! I ordered a new one and it was delivered today but its the wrong size, It looks exactly the same except the roundness is different by like a quarter to half inch.

Also how do you get the old rag joint off the collapsible column? Is it pressed in, or have to be ground off?

 

[icanfixall]

Usually the wrecking yards have these parts and they are cheap... Not worn out like yours is. Find a yard that will allow you to remove what you want. Then learn at there expense. I just remove both the top and bottom bolts that go thru the shaft. Then just pull it off.... The bottom section of the steering shaft is sliding in and out of the section for safety in head on collisions. Keeps the steering wheel from going thru your chest.....

 

[Agnem]

If you can swing it, rather than replace it, upgrade it. I got a new steering shaft from Flaming River, and it's great!

 

[Cincinnati Guy]

Ya I took it out as one, I loosened it under the column then loosened the pinch joint at the steering box and took it right out. I really wanted to use a brand new rag joint! I guess its $30 im out now. I know you can get them in the help section at stores, but how can we replace them since there not just bolted together?

 

[RLDSL]

Guess what... With your year you are in the same boat as me. All the catalogs will say they have a rag joint for between $14-30 but none of them will fit, only direct fit is a complete shaft from the dealer for about $200. Might as well get a custom Borgeson shaft or one of those flaming river jobs if it's a double ujoint setup like the borgeson. I got a Borgeson made up for about $300 with the extra vibration dampener. Love teh thing Nice and tight steering. Whoever thought having steering being held together by a rubber disc in an engine compartment where diesel is present was a good idea needs to have their head examined

 

[Cincinnati Guy]

Figures! So you think I can just change out the shaft to one that will work with this rag joint I have?

 

[Cincinnati Guy]

I just got back in from installing a new well used steering shaft I got from the junkyard. The rag joint was in really great condition and only cost me a few bucks! Steering is a lot better now. I may have to take it back apart soon to adjust the steering wheel because its slightly tilted compared to the wheels.