Steering Column RAG joint

[Kidd7]

I'm replacing the motor mounts on my Cougar and had to remove the RAG joint for access. I noticed a small rip and am now rebuilding it. That has got me thinking I better check the Ex. There is a rubbing noise when I turn the wheel and the boot where the steering shaft connects to the rack is torn in 2. Doing some googling, I don't see the replacement part available. I'm looking for options, what do ya'll have?
Thanks.

 

[Dono]

I'm sure everyone's steering shaft boot is torn in two.
A flaming river steering shaft maybe? I think you will need to get creative on the boot.

 

[gmanpaint]

Rag joints was used from 91 till 94 on the Explorer.

2nd gens has a ball socket joint at the rack. You have to replace the intermediate shaft when it wears out. There are plastic and metal versions, depending on the year, but both work in all 2nd gens.

 

[Dono]

Gman, do you know if you can get those boots, or something that can replace it. A small shock boot maybe? Mines torn also, but its not an issue for me

 

[gmanpaint]

They aren't normal boots, more like a cover. Can't say I have ever seen a replacement for sale. Salvage yards will have them, but easier to just replace the entire shaft.

 

[CDW6212R]

There is a thread here somewhere about a member using a TRE boot or similar. He found one kind of sized well, tight to force on, and then tied at the two ends. He had a worn out joint, so he went to the trouble of a used good joint/shaft, and then the hunt for a boot. I don't recall when that thread began, the last posts I remember were last year I think.

 

[96eb96]

I'm replacing the motor mounts on my Cougar and had to remove the RAG joint for access. I noticed a small rip and am now rebuilding it. That has got me thinking I better check the Ex. There is a rubbing noise when I turn the wheel and the boot where the steering shaft connects to the rack is torn in 2. Doing some googling, I don't see the replacement part available. I'm looking for options, what do ya'll have?
Thanks.

Eventually it will bind and the wheel won't return. Not fun. Make sure you use plenty of fluid film on it. It certainly saved my joint.