Hey all,

I called Borgeson and asked them if they sell new Rag joints for irocs and they said that they don't think it's replaceable on our cars... I doubted him but he did say that he thinks only the 'rubber' disk is replaceable... I thought rag joints could be replaced? Does anybody know which rag joint to buy for our cars? I'm in the process of replacing everything in the steering (just got a lee steering box) so i want to change this as well so everything is perfect.

THanks,
-marc

 

IIRC, they're no longer available from GM, but check ebay, as I believe there's a seller there. The following will be helpful, I think:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...ment-gory.html

JamesC

 

Check the HELP section, if they don't have the right one in stock, ask them to get one for you. There only a few bucks. You may have to check the HELP catalog for the right part #. But yeah, it's only the disk.

 

Ah perfect! The disk if what borgeson told me they'd sell me.. I'd rather buy from them knowing they are a reputable company... Does anybody know the measurement of the disk?

thnx!
-Marc

 

I have one of the HELP ones sitting at home, found it this morning. My plan, next trip to the Junk yard, grab a shaft. Put the new rag joint on that shaft, then just swap shafts.

 

That sounds like a good idea actually.. Quick question what is the diameter of the rubber disk that are in ours cars? 2 1/2" or 3 1/4"?

Also, my steering shaft can move up and down a bit is that normal?

 

"what is the diameter of the rubber disk in the rag joint? 2 1/2" or 3 1/4"?"

Anyone?

 

3 1/4"

 

Thanks Krisb! Borgeson offers these i'll get one from them and see if it makes a diff in steering tightness.

 

I was at Autozone today, the HELP one was $7.99, and it includes hardware.

 

My mechanic just told me he could get a universal joint from Borgeson and replace the rag joint with that and said it would be a ton stronger and would take away the slop in the steering completely, anyone know if there is truth to this? They do professional work so they aren't just some small garage, they are probably the best in the city.

 

There is more than one way to skin a cat!

 

The rag joint won't remove slop in the steering box. After you replace the rag joint, I'd recommend that you adjust the box.

JamesC

 

Hi James,

I just bought a Lee Steering Box which is already adjusted and set up out of the box and that will go in at the same time ... But I just wanted to replace the rubber disk and the hardware along with it but my mechanic told me that a better alternative would be a universal joint from Borgeson because it is not a rubber disk, it is an actual ball bearing sort of thing... i think he means this: http://www.borgeson.com/xcart/home.php?cat=10

 

Anyone know if this u-joint is better than the rag joint? I've read that it makes alot firmer and direct feel, but increases road vibrations transfered to the steering wheel, but that's probably on manual steering i would think power steering shouldn't feel that bad?

 

Well, I just replaced mine yesterday, and the stock rag joint is not 3 1/4", but 2 1/2". I had to drive to two stores to find the right replacement. Sorry for the confusion, the catalog must have been wrong.

 

No biggy.. i didn't order it yet, probably going to get a u-joint put on the shaft for a firmer feel... Not a bolt on mod but the machanic i go to knows his stuff. Still waiting on that steering box from Tom Lee to arrive, then the fun begins!

 

I didn't feel any additional vibration from a solid setup. What I did notice was more hydraulic noise. Mostly when turning the steering wheel.

RBob.

 

Another option;



http://www.unbalancedengineering.com...Rag_Joint_3rd/

 

iansane, are you using the above? If so, what's your take on it?

JamesC

 

Is that a solid rag joint? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose?

 

You mean by deleting the NVH barrier the factory put in? Yes. Yes it would. But like a ujoint it's supposed to get rid of slop/dead space in the steering.

I like it. Seemed to tighten the steering up a bit but that could be the seat-of-the-pants-I-want-to-justify-money-spent-on-my-car thing too. hehe. Simply as hell to install and gave me an excuse to pull the plastic cover over the steering shaft and clean/paint that area.

 

is That disk is steel or aluminum?

 

Al.

 

Would think that it would bind not having any " give"

 

Is your steering shaft not in line with your gearbox? I think mine is just a hair out of line but it doesn't bind (that I can feel daily driving).