wvtradbow

I need some advice..My 89 F150 steering is horrible,There is a tremendous amount of play in the slip joint (i guess that's what its called) and I'm not sure how to deal with it,I tried a search but I'm not exactly sure what the parts are called,I guess a slip joint on the steering shaft and i really don't know how to take it apart..

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

The slip joint is the 2 shafts that slide one inside the other. If that has play you need to find a better one somewhere.
Looking at the picture it looks like your rag gear is falling apart. That's the rubber piece at the end of the shaft that connects it to the steering box. You can buy a new one of those probably at most parts stores. You just undo the 4 nuts, take it out and put a new one in.
It's basically a rubber circle that bolts to the steering column and then bolts to the steering box. It isolates the steering wheel from vibration in the frame. They wear out from use and just deteriorate over time.
Take a real good look at that and if it doesn't look real healthy, start by replacing that.

wvtradbow

Thanks Chris,is the rag gear the real name for that ? I do know that probably is worn but that slip joint does have a lot of movement in it,I can't imagine that being an easy part to find,I wonder if other year F series shafts fit or does that have to be a dealer or custom part...

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

Most parts guys and mechanics will know the term rag gear. It's a pretty commonly replaced part.
As for the shaft I'd guess that any 87 to 91 should fit. Yes it will be hard to find. There are some places that sell rebuilt ones but that will take a pretty dedicated google search.

wvtradbow

WELL Chris THANKS AGAIN but I just bit the bullet and ordered a Borgeson replacement shaft that eliminates that rag joint http://www.jcwhitney.com/jcwhitney/t...911y1989g267j1 I hated the thought of spending $50 on that rag joint to find out that shaft is worn spending that $$$ on a shaft any way...So I guess my next question would be " are these shafts worth the money"

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

Not getting it dragged out of the ditch and towed to the body shop is probably worth $250 ???

Chris_1

iTrader: (1)

If I read that site right, it doesn't eliminate the rag joint, it just doesn't come with it. I think you have to order that separately $21.12.

wvtradbow

Problem solved,new Borgenson shaft arrived yesterday.It does eliminate the rag joint.Two bolts and my old one came right out.I didn't know it was "cut to fit" the new shaft was about 28" with out extending it. I had to cut it down to fit a 19" section so I cut about an inch shorter so it would slide into place. Very easy job,there was a couple things i had to do with set bolts but no big deal.It took all the play from the steering wheel,now i haven't taken it to high speeds yet and I i know that rag joint take the vibration away so I can't say anything about that yet..