Rag joint kit

[bgilbert]

Ok the steering coupler or rag joint that is.. Connects the steering shaft to the steering box on the frame. Anyone know if this is still available through Dodge? Also what does the kit consist of? Price? That coupler or rag joint on my new 89 Ramcharger is shot. Not going with the overpriced Borgeson.

[FRadisi]

I've seen a kit available through Summit, JC Whitney, Borgeson, and a few other places I can't remember. I'm not sure if it's still available through Dodge or not. Try checking O'Reilly's as well.

[PToombs]

I replaced all the pieces of the coupler on mine 4-5 years ago. It was about 35-40 bucks. Trick is to find a rubber boot that seals to the shaft and goes over the box. The factory seal is a piece of crap, if you don't have the special tool to crimp it correctly, it'll leak and will rust in there again.

[PRINCETON_JAKE]

you can get them at most parts stores, Dorman (help) sells the rag joint kits.

[RumbleFish]

i thought the rag joint was the disc like coupler further up on the steering shaft? i bought a kit from the dealer to rebuild the steering coupler near the gear box and it was like $12 or so. i wouldnt bother to rebuild it on a 4x4 truck though. they seem to tear them up plenty quick, so for my w100 i plan on making my own u-joint shaft. there is a how to over on ramchargercentral.

[PToombs]

Jeff's right, the rag joint is the rubbery disc up above. If you rebuild the coupler box, don't be cheap, buy everything. It doesn't do any good to buy new shoes and the spring if the box is worn out.

[Begle1]

I packed my coupler full of grease. That should help keep water out, no? Especially if you use waterproof grease?

[PToombs]

Uh, no. When the water gets in it will work it's way down, waterproof grease or not. It may help it last longer than regular grease, but I'd try to keep the water out. Although with you being in Cali and all, your water probably doesn't have nasty road salt or calcium chloride mixed in it. Maybe this is more my opinion than fact, but you can't go wrong to cover it.

[PJ 3]

When I bought my truck new in 1992 the steering coupler lasted about 4 years and had to be replaced. ( Ya I live in salt country ) I installed a rubber boot over the new installation and it lasted until last year, went heavy on the grease to......I tore it out and went with a borgenson ! The rubber boot and grease helped mind you !

[BobS]

Dodge & GM trucks all had the rag joint mounted at the steering box from about the time they eliminated the one piece column and implemented the government required collapsible steering system. Dirt, road grime and salt was never an issue. BTW, Dodge used a wire mesh reinforced laminated rag joint at this time. Then Chrysler engineering in the late 70's or early 80's using their engineers of infinite wisdom decided to put the unit on upside down from the almost flawless way it worked in the past. The rest is history.

[bgilbert]

Sorry for the bump. Here's the part number for the steering coupler rebuild kit. Surprisingly it was in stock and readily available. Said he's usually got 4 or 5 in stock, but was down to his last one. I would've bought a couple for the SOP crew if they did. MOPAR 4443436-AC. That was on the receipt, I believe the package had a 1-0 prior to the part number. It was $12.35 list. IMO, as long as you don't have 35" tires and wheel the crap out of your truck, a stock coupler rebuild should last for years. You can rebuild it quite a few times for the price of the Borgeson. To each is own on that though. I know Matt Bales has 35" tires, but doesn't wheel his 4wd 90 CTD, and his coupler is holding up fine to a stock rebuild. So Jeff, your Ramcharger should have excellent steering soon haha.

BTW, BobS, I can see what you're talking about on my 74 Dodge W300. It's original, mounted the opposite our 89-93's are, and is still very solid.

[PToombs]

Bill, what exactly comes in the kit? I paid about $30 for the whole thing to replace everything from 1 shaft to the other.

[bgilbert]

Bill, what exactly comes in the kit? I paid about $30 for the whole thing to replace everything from 1 shaft to the other.

I knew I shoulda taken a picture of it. You get: 1 'crimp on cover' (supposed to hold the rubber seal onto the coupler). 1 seal, 1 'cross pin' (presses into the steering shaft), 1 roll pin (holds coupler to steering box nub), then inside the coupler is 1 metal clip, and 2 hard square looking metal pieces lol. Finally a very small roll pin, so to speak, that you tap into the side of the coupler. Keeps the coupler from coming off the steering shaft. Basically, a rebuild kit Pete! See what I mean about I should've taken a pic lol.

With the help of a press or vise, heat from a torch, roll pin punches, and a couple large pry bars it's an easy job. The hardest part I felt was getting the coupler off the steering box and then trying to 'crimp' the silly seal retainer on the coupler. That last part I didn't really get accomplished. Looks like I'll be looking for a good boot.

[BobS]

Anybody tried to see if you can put it on upside down like the old way? It may work on the 92 & 93 with the removable upper flange.

[PToombs]

Bill, that's about what I thought. You should have bought the box too. It gets worn inside. The kit will help, but in my experience it will still have play. I threw the cover and locking tab away. It's almost impossibe to get it on and to stay without the factory crimper. I got a rubber boot and put on mine. It seals to the shaft and goes over the box down to the round part, where I have a hose clamp. Works good so far!