steering column bushing?? need a fix

[bullinerfamily]

I have ben looking around trying to figure out my very loose steering problem and came across this bushing that is pretty much torn apart. it is not too far from the firewall where the steering column comes out then there are 4 bolts/ or rivets going through this bushing. i have included a picture hoping someone will know what this bushing is called and how to replace it and hopefully where i can find another one. as you can see in the picture it is pretty shredded. thank you in advance for anyone that might be able to help.
It is really sad to say but this forum is better than any mechanic around. I had my truck in the shop and asked them to replace the radius arm bushings and they said they were fine, but i have the 50-70mph shake that is pretty bad. I know that the bushing in the picture has nothing to do with this problem, but i think it will fix my steering wheel movement.

if anyone wants to know what camera i use to get the very sharp picture, it is a nikon p4 . the picture was taken from appx 3 feet away...not too bad

 

[mrboyle]

That is called a rag joint. A replacement can be bought at almost any auto parts store.

 

[wolfnutts]

ya its worn dorman parts brand are in most auto stores is ur best bet to find one at a low cost
just dont drive that trk another mile till its fixed that rag joint is a serious safety issue
an ur shimmy at speed could be caused by it also acting just like a tire that was outa balance
good luck
hope u read this before u raced off to buy ur part

 

[bullinerfamily]

response

i will have to check with auto parts store tomorrow. Is it bolts holding it together or rivets? do you know how to remove it and put in a new one? also are there special tools i will need? if it is just bolts and nuts I will have no problem, but it didnt look like it was. and thank you guys for the quick response. I am sure it has been this way for a long time, probably before i bought the truck about 2 years ago. I have been driving interstate miles alot and i guess i am very luck nothing terrible has happened yet. I think i will just drive it the 1 mile to work each day and that will be it til i fix it.

 

[bullinerfamily]

which one is correct?

hi, went online to advanceautoparts.com, gave me 2 results for rag joint, if either of these are correct could you please let me know. also i will check napa and see if they have a pic


Part No.
204 Lares PS STEERING COUPLER LARES
With 3 1/8" Diameter Single Flat Coupler
Warranty: Lifetime Replacement Warranty

Ships in 1 day
$27.77

-------------------------------------------
Part No.
202 Lares PS STEERING COUPLER LARES
FOR POWER STEERING
Warranty: Lifetime Replacement Warranty

Buy online,
pickup today!
Ships in 1 day
$29.88

 

[bullinerfamily]

think my info from discount auto parts is wrong

hi, i posted the results from discount auto parts in the last post but i thin those are wrong, i found this listing online and was wondering if someone could tell me which one i need, it is giving me choices with different diameters and different splines, please help thanks. I have a 92 XLT, 4.0 pushrod, 4dr, 2wd.

Rag Joint
From Flaming River Industries



"Rag Joint" flexible couplings are recommended for use with power steering boxes to absorb vibration and power steering noise. Flaming River offers a rag joint with a 3/4 DD male to bolt inside 1" DD column.

#FR1951


Rag Joint .770 round (male) x 3/4-30 for FR Power Box conversion




Quantity:
Only $89.50








#FR1950


Rag Joint 3/4DDM x 13/16-36




Quantity:
Only $89.50








#FR1949


Rag Joint 3/4DDM x 3/4-30




Quantity:
Only $89.50

 

[wolfnutts]

some pics

ok i cant tell ya about part # but i think u have two rag joints on ur shalft .
urs is upper but it wouldnt hurt to take the cover off bottom one an look at condition of it
buy ur parts an what u cant use just return for a credit
flame river is a very good brand but pricey if ur not off roading with it just put same oem style from ur local auto store in
tools i thk the nuts are all metric but a basic wrench an a few sockets should be all u need
first pic is my upper joint 2nd is lower may not all look the same cause i have a navajo from 1991 an my upper joint is like a drive shaft kind not rag

 

[RangerX]

Here's two pics of my spare. I got mine from a picknpull, but you also can get just the black bushing ring at parts stores. I've seen them in the Help products section.