[Intotheorange]

Hey guys,

Been driving my 1976 f250 with very little issues, steering feels okay but I noticed that the steering wheel column at the base (under the hood) looks like this. Wondering if anyone thinks it’s a “red alert” issue that I neeed to fix right away and how I would even do that.

I filmed a video of it functioning also if anyone needs to see that.
Thanks as always for any help!

 

[wickettoby1]

Definitely time for a new rag joint I believe it’s called.

 

[pedal2themetal45]

HI yeah that bent shape is normal and factory (don't know why) but if the rubber piece is tore then that should be replaced.. that is actually what holds the two pieces together..

good luck take care be safe
tim

 

[wickettoby1]

HI yeah that bent shape is normal and factory (don't know why) but if the rubber piece is tore then that should be replaced.. that is actually what holds the two pieces together..

good luck take care be safe
tim

Look again Tim, the steel on the bottom left of the rag joint appears to be broken too!

 

[pedal2themetal45]

HI, yes but looks like this from AutoZone has the plate and a new top piece as well

https://www.autozone.com/suspension-steering-tire-and-wheel/steering-coupler-assembly?filterByKeyWord=rag+joint&fromString=search&isIgnoreVehicle=false&searchText=rag+joint

good luck take care be safe
tim

 

[coilbind]

I cut off the flange on the shaft and used a Borgeson U joint. 20 years and no problems.

 

[forestg]

I think he is asking about the collar above the rag joint that has come out of the column tube.

 

[coilbind]

I too lost that lower bearing. I used a Heim joint 3/4" I.D. to support the steering shaft , that is bolted to angle iron attached to the frame. You can see pic on instagram @ nol_dod

 

[Straightjacket Racing]

That scenario is a catastrophic failure waiting to happen. When the lower shaft bearing slips out and not noticed it will wipe out the rag joint (like it has).
I had a rag joint fail in my 64 Falcon Sprint when I was a kid. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride to say the least!
Replace both asap!

 

[slowride]

As said, the rag joint needs to be replaced, but also the bottom bushing needs to be pushed back up into the column housing.

 

[wickettoby1]

Don’t forget to up you’re life insurance if you plan on driving it as is 😂