 Smokey
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02-18-11 05:57 PM - Post#2048587
On a '89 two wheel drive single cab 1 ton dually, has any one replaced the steering rag joint (rubber coupling) lately?
Wow, I was surprised how bad this one was after pulling that plastic covering out of the way!!! 
I figure it's just drop the bolts under the column and disconnect at the joint pull back the column a bit and change it out that way.
Anyone done it an easier way?
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
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 someotherguy
Senior Moderator
Posts: 29799
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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02-18-11 07:21 PM - Post#2048628
In response to Smokey
You can disconnect the shaft at the firewall, on the engine compartment side - just has that one bolt through it. Then compress the slip joint in the middle to pull the shaft away from the firewall; then you'll have it free to work with the rag joint. Take care to not pull the slip joint apart or the leaf spring inside it will fall out and you'll have to play with that. Not a big deal just annoying.
Richard
| 06 Silverado ISS / 06 Silverado SS / 06 300C SRT8 / 93 C3500 dually |
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aero_nautical
Contributor
Posts: 141
Loc: Arkansas
Reg: 09-12-10
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02-19-11 09:52 AM - Post#2048859
In response to Smokey
Let me know how it goes...I am going to replace mine too. From what I understand there are couplings from Dorman and others that are close to the OEM and fit a variety of vehicles and then there are the "roll your own" type that has the disc and some hardware for you to make up your own. The latter is about 10 bucks and the former is about 60 to over 100. I would be curious what your experinece is.
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tardisguy
Contributor
Posts: 181
Age: 40
Loc: San Antonio, TX
Reg: 09-15-10
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02-20-11 09:41 PM - Post#2049671
In response to aero_nautical
Here is two write ups about replacing the entire steering shaft with one from a jeep cherokee.
http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.p...
http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.p...
It eliminates the rag joint and tightens up the steering a LOT. No mods should be needed, jeep shaft just bolts up. I have jeep shafts in both my 86 monte carlo SS and my 91 c1500 and you can tell the diffrence espeically on the freeway. just another suggestion.
Andrew
91 Chevy C1500 ext cab, TBI 350, NV4500, 2in suspension lift. (DD)
2012 Mitsu Outlander Sport (DD#2)
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Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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02-20-11 11:13 PM - Post#2049696
In response to tardisguy
Andrew, sounds like a great upgrade if it'll work on the one ton dually steering box!
Always wondered why GM used the rag joint instead of the other type.
Early Jeep Cherokee's, Grand Wagoneer, Comanche, J-10's/20's and CJ's used the GM column too.
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
|
Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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02-22-11 02:21 PM - Post#2050384
In response to tardisguy
Spent the weekend out looking or the intermediate shaft and these things are harder to find than hens teeth.
Checked every yard around here and some in the big city. Of every Jeep I checked the shaft was gone! The one I did find, they guy wanted more for the shaft than the whole steering column it self!
Lots of people must be on this little upgrade. 
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
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someotherguy
Senior Moderator
Posts: 29799
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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02-22-11 03:00 PM - Post#2050405
In response to Smokey
Andrew, thanks for mentioning the Jeep shaft swap. That U-joint style shaft end was used on the 3500HD's of this body style, though I have no idea if the gearbox splines/shaft are compatible, or where you'd find an easy supply of these parts. Most 3500HD's are either still in service, or worn completely down to nubs. 
Richard
| 06 Silverado ISS / 06 Silverado SS / 06 300C SRT8 / 93 C3500 dually |
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Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
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Loc: "Small town USA"
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03-03-11 09:23 AM - Post#2055090
In response to someotherguy
UPDATE: I found a guy that sells the updated intermediate shaft that does away with the sloppy type rag joint all together. So no more hunting around wrecking yards and pulling one in hoping the I'll find one that "might "fit.
It's a jeep shaft that's a direct swap out for our trucks.
The great part is it eliminates that rag joint slop with the dual u-joint on either end. Now, Jeep uses three different kinds (ask me how I know) and only one of them fits. But, the guy I found pulls the correct one, inspects them, cleans them up, lubes the sliding part and sends them to you.
As soon as I get mine installed I let you all know how it goes. So far from what I've heard it's like a night and day difference in driving and the handling of our trucks.
Here's a borowed pic of one but in a "G" body with the up dated shaft.
Notice the missing pesky rag joint?
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
|
someotherguy
Senior Moderator
Posts: 29799
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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03-03-11 09:27 AM - Post#2055091
In response to Smokey
Thanks for the update Smokey and can't wait to see the U-joint shaft on your truck, I know the rag joint thing has been a PITA.
If you don't mind, let us know what the shaft set you back. It may influence my decision whether or not to get the Borgeson shaft. That thing is expensive, but it's all new, so shouldn't be anything to worry about for many, many years.
Richard
| 06 Silverado ISS / 06 Silverado SS / 06 300C SRT8 / 93 C3500 dually |
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Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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03-03-11 09:37 AM - Post#2055103
In response to someotherguy
I'm getting it for 45.00 shipped! He guaranties the u-joints will be in perfect shape or he won't ship it.
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
|
Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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03-06-11 01:20 PM - Post#2056664
In response to someotherguy
UPDATE #2:
USPS delivered the Jeep shaft in on Saturday but a cold front blew in so I waited until today to install it.
All I can say it's one of the BEST updates that you could do to the steering of these trucks. It completly took all of that rag joint slop out and really tightened up the steering. The difference is like night and day. 
Just slip the old crappy rag joint shaft off and the Jeep shaft on. You do have to make a small notch in the steering column shaft but that's it.
Thanks Andrew for letting us know about this Jeep shaft upgrade.
No doubt I'm going to order another Jeep shaft and install it on my Burb and even going to order another shaft for any future trucks just so I have one laying around. Hey they're's just so many out there. When I looked I never did find the correct one out of several Jeeps Grand Cherokee's
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
|
someotherguy
Senior Moderator
Posts: 29799
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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03-06-11 01:27 PM - Post#2056669
In response to Smokey
Very cool Smokey. Now where's the pics.
Definitely going this route instead of the Borgeson. Seems like you get essentially the same result for a lot less money.
Surely, the Jeep shaft would be expensive brand new too, but if there are good used ones out there at a bargain price, that beats buying a new Borgeson, in my book. 
Richard
| 06 Silverado ISS / 06 Silverado SS / 06 300C SRT8 / 93 C3500 dually |
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Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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03-10-11 03:00 PM - Post#2059278
In response to someotherguy
Richard, Here's the Jeep shaft installed. As you will notice, no more rag joint!
Upper part of the shaft:
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
|
someotherguy
Senior Moderator
Posts: 29799
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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03-10-11 11:51 PM - Post#2059549
In response to Smokey
Even better than no more rag joint, no more clunker coupler up top.
Richard
| 06 Silverado ISS / 06 Silverado SS / 06 300C SRT8 / 93 C3500 dually |
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Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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03-11-11 02:40 PM - Post#2059853
In response to someotherguy
You bet Richard, that POS is gone too!
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
|
tardisguy
Contributor
Posts: 181
Age: 40
Loc: San Antonio, TX
Reg: 09-15-10
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03-11-11 07:50 PM - Post#2060005
In response to Smokey
I have found lots of them at the two pick-n-pull yards in San Antonio. I bought both of mine for $10 a piece. In doing more research (read: being addicted to going to pick-n-pull. It's so much fun!) The shafts that work in our trucks and cars are found more in regular cherokees than grand cherokees. both mine came from 95 cherokees. If you are looking for them out in the yards just pull off and look at the top joint opening. The one you want has the top socket where the shaft goes into made from about the same thickness metal as the rest of the joint. The other kind I always see looks a little different and the top socket is made from really thick metal and the opening is small.
Andrew
91 Chevy C1500 ext cab, TBI 350, NV4500, 2in suspension lift. (DD)
2012 Mitsu Outlander Sport (DD#2)
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tardisguy
Contributor
Posts: 181
Age: 40
Loc: San Antonio, TX
Reg: 09-15-10
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03-11-11 08:31 PM - Post#2060027
In response to tardisguy
Smokey, i know you already did yours. my previous post was FYI for other who might want to do this upgrade as there seems to be a lack of info on this upgrade.
Andrew
91 Chevy C1500 ext cab, TBI 350, NV4500, 2in suspension lift. (DD)
2012 Mitsu Outlander Sport (DD#2)
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someotherguy
Senior Moderator
Posts: 29799
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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03-11-11 08:38 PM - Post#2060031
In response to tardisguy
Definitely cheap for the DIY'er that wants to hit the boneyards in search of the part. From what I've seen it's luck of the draw whether you'll find one in good shape; the joints do seem to go bad. The fella selling good ones for $45.50 shipped isn't a bad deal when you consider the amount of time you could potentially spend hunting the yards - depending on your area.
Richard
| 06 Silverado ISS / 06 Silverado SS / 06 300C SRT8 / 93 C3500 dually |
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Matt
Member #2440
Posts: 7917
Loc: SAV
Reg: 09-26-01
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03-11-11 08:39 PM - Post#2060034
In response to someotherguy
I would have LOVED to know about this when I had my old Yukon. Amazing stuff.
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Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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03-11-11 10:12 PM - Post#2060077
In response to tardisguy
Here are the correct shafts off the Jeep's. You want the one with the double "D" type. The others will not work. Also you need to slightly modify your steering column shaft just a bit for the upper part of the intermediate steering shaft bolt to go completely through.
The guy I get mine from does all the leg work, cleans them up, lubes the shaft, makes sure the U-joints are in tip top shape and repaints them. Well worth the extra mony and shipping I feel I paid.
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
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CDeeZ
Forum Newbie
Posts: 79
Reg: 07-29-10
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03-14-11 03:34 PM - Post#2061584
In response to Smokey
So, will this jeep shaft swap also work on my 90 1/2 ton?? Reason I ask is my ragjoint is shot too... I would like to eliminate it entirely.
| 1990 RCSB|T56|14bolt|4.88|TrueTrac|Cam|.060 over|ported_polished|Head ers|3" duals, "H"|E-fan|Ult TBI|2"/4" drop|16197427 PCM conversion-DIY tune|6lug swap|16x8 AR-Atlas |
Edited by CDeeZ on 03-14-11 03:39 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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03-14-11 03:43 PM - Post#2061587
In response to CDeeZ
Yes it would fit. Just make sure you get one with the double D style that matches you steering column. There is several (at least three) different styles that Jeep uses. Some say the later square bodied Jeep works (XJ) and other's say they have found them on the Grand Cherokee's too.
That's why I use the guy I do. No need to worry he has the proper ones and already pulled and inspected and lubed ready to put on your truck.
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
|
Bill K.b
Senior Member
Posts: 4529
Loc: upstate NY
Reg: 10-24-05
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03-16-11 05:09 PM - Post#2062703
In response to Smokey
Vans have a column with 2 u-joints and a telescoping middle section, that would when off look a lot like the Jeep shafts in the picture above. No rag joint.
Those who can, do. Those who can't, criticize it on the internet.
Driving 2002 Express 2500
2002 Express 2500 extended
1988 G20 conversion
1993 GMC 3500 dually
Plus cars for swap and sale
& yes, I once tried a frame swap on a 51 Chevy. |
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CDeeZ
Forum Newbie
Posts: 79
Reg: 07-29-10
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03-16-11 05:48 PM - Post#2062724
In response to Bill K.b
Smokey,
Do you have that guy's contact info? I think when I can address my shot rag joint I'd rather just call him up to take some of the potential hassle out of it..
| 1990 RCSB|T56|14bolt|4.88|TrueTrac|Cam|.060 over|ported_polished|Head ers|3" duals, "H"|E-fan|Ult TBI|2"/4" drop|16197427 PCM conversion-DIY tune|6lug swap|16x8 AR-Atlas |
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Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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03-16-11 07:28 PM - Post#2062770
In response to CDeeZ
CDeeZ, I just sent you a PT
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
|
davenmer
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Age: 46
Loc: Jacksonville, FL
Reg: 02-16-10
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04-06-11 06:43 AM - Post#2072617
In response to Smokey
Can anyone tell me if this mod will work on a 1996 and up? I picked up a jeep steering shaft and it was the wrong one...so before i spend money on another one I was wondering if it will even work on mine.
Also, anyone have detailed pics of the correct type of shaft's ends?
Thanks
David
1996 Chevy Z-71
5.7 Vortec 173,000 miles |
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Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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04-07-11 08:41 PM - Post#2073481
In response to davenmer
Hi Dave, What part didn't fit? Did you call the guy I recommended that pulls the proper ones and refurbishes them?
Yes, Jeep uses at least three different shafts and not all of them fit. The type that fits mine was the double "D" looking type (column end) and it fit like a glove.
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
|
93-2dr-on20s
Forum Newbie
Posts: 77
Reg: 07-08-10
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04-07-11 10:15 PM - Post#2073515
In response to Smokey
Smokey... I'm interested in the shaft guys info as well. After replacing my entire front end I still have a little slop in the wheel. The Jeep shaft swap sounds like the solution.
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Smokey
Senior Site Adminstrator
Posts: 17447
Age: 75
Loc: "Small town USA"
Reg: 12-06-99
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04-08-11 06:45 AM - Post#2073592
In response to 93-2dr-on20s
The e-mail address that I used to get a hold of him is aaronptimm@yahoo.com
'67 427 Chevy C-10
'79 454 surburban
'89 454 1 ton dually
'03 V-Star 1100
In Memory of CT's Mike McVeigh and Ron Schrapp (aka rons56) |
|
davenmer
Forum Newbie
Posts: 14
Age: 46
Loc: Jacksonville, FL
Reg: 02-16-10
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04-15-11 11:10 AM - Post#2077087
In response to Smokey
Yep, I sent him an email and he said he would check it out. Never heard from him again after a few follow up emails asking if he had any that would work for my year truck. You or anyone else for that matter have a picture of the column end of the shaft? I'm not sure what you mean by double d??
David
1996 Chevy Z-71
5.7 Vortec 173,000 miles |
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