The splines on the rag joint that mesh to the steering gear must be damaged on my rag joint. I can turn the rag joint 3/8" until it makes contact with the steering gear splines. I am pretty sure this is contributing to my steering wheel play.
I think I ruined the rag joint when I removed the steering gear 8 years ago for a rebuild. I couldn't get the rag joint separated from the steering gear, and I remember prying the rag joint open at the gap opening where the bolt tightens it to the steering gear.
I'd like to replace the rag joint since I think the fine threads are stripped. Does anyone know how to do this without removing the steering gear or steering column. The Ford Shop manual doesn't have a procedure for this project. Any tips are appreciated. Also, is anyone making a good repro for the tilt rag joint? I see NPD carries one.
Well I pulled my column out 1.5 years ago and it came out after I loosened the 2 bolts. I may sell my extra was joint as I bought a nos one from Randy S for my spare complete tilt column then when pulling out a steering box I had for 40 years saw it had a tilt rag joint on it so now I have a spare.
I decided to buy one of these Lares rag joints. NPD carries them so they must be pretty good. I'm going to let my trusted mechanic install it.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/LSC-219
It's a good thing I decided to replace my original rag joint. The splines are worn away.
A little gorilla glue would have taken care of that.🤔
Roy