Rag Wheel Joing replacement 84 Convertible

[fgross2006]

I'm planing to do the rag wheel joint on my 84 vert as this is something that has never been replaced. Any suggestions? Tutorials? How to vid for this? Is it better left to a mechanic or is it doable in the driveway?

Also are there replacement upgrades for this? Ive heard about a stainless steel knuckle,

[KevinK]

It’s not that hard to do in the driveway. Getting it lined up may take a couple of tries. I got mine from Rockauto.

[waggin]

Thought I had a video saved on how to convert from rag joint to u-joint, but I can't find it. Curious if others feel this is a good option.

[fgross2006]

Thought I had a video saved on how to convert from rag joint to u-joint, but I can't find it. Curious if others feel this is a good option.

Theres a few videos on youtube but all are not clear to watch. I'll have to wait till its springtime in NY and just get under the car and see for myself. One of the vids did say the rack has to be loosened and pulled forward to make room to drop the shaft.

I replaced my rack with a rebuilt one maybe 4 years ago and I noticed that the rubber bushings didn't hold up well at all and last time i tried to find a set of Moog replacement bushings I was not able to locate a part number. Seemed that the only way to get the bushings was to get the junky ones that come with the rack. If I do this job this spring I'd like to replace the rack bushings too. Does anyone know of a Moog part number for the kit if one exists?

[gmatt]

If you're even slightly mechanically inclined and have some tools, you can do the rag joint. I upgraded one of mine to a u-joint. Just watched a vid on youtube and I do have a mig welder. Pretty simple.

[Broncojunkie]

Or if welding isn't an option, just get the flaming river shaft.

[KevinK]

Rock auto says moog k8263 for 84

[Jack Hidley]

1984 was the transition year from 16mm to 12mm steering rack bolts. Each of these models will require different bushings. You need to measure the bolt diameter to know which bushings you need.

[wildhorse]

I put a flaming river shaft in my 80 with a new rack. The one with smaller diameter u joints to clear the headers. You have to cut the center shaft to length and counter sink the bolts. It's nice tight steering now.

[badnightrain]

I agree on the flaming river shaft to eliminate the rag joint. but I don't know about cutting to length. mine is collapsible so it adjust to the length you need. no cutting needed.