Rag joint

[70Duster340]

Before I begin putting my Duster back together, I would like to know if you all think that I should remove and replace the rag joint? I did a search on Rockauto, but didn't locate any there. Is this an available part, and is it a reasonable cost?

Thanks!

 

[Dana67Dart]

Rag joint, are you working on a Ford?

Do you mean the steering coupler?

 

[70Duster340]

Yeah, I've seen it called both.

 

[AJ/FormS]

No rag-joint on a Duster. Or any A-body
The coupler, when properly sealed, seems to last forever. I repacked mine in 1999, but it is an original 1968 model,lol. She's got over 200,000 miles on her.

 

[70Duster340]

OK, thanks. Didn't know it would be such a touchy topic. You may disagree with me or the terminology I used, but a search on the internet using the term "steering coupler" yielded the term "rag joint". That's where I got it.

 

[AJ/FormS]

Well if you open your hood, you won't see no rag joint . In 50 years, you're the first guy I ever heard call the coupler a rag joint, and think to remove and replace what ain't even there,lol. But if you got it off the net, I guess we should cut you some slack,lol.
To be fair, I think the other Mopar bodylines and pick-ups do have them. It's a cheap easy way to put a lil angularity in the shaft, and a lil vibration isolation at the same time. My guess is the A-bodies were just not worth spending the coin on. Plus if you look down in the darkness there, there really isn't any room for one.

 

[66fyssh]

There are build kits available for the steering coupler. I got mine from DMT. Similar to this but for my 66 Barracuda. Put a wanted ad on FABO, someone might have a kit for sale.

https://www.detroitmuscletechnologi...dy-66-73-steering-column-coupler-rebuild-kit/

 

[kursplat]

OK, thanks. Didn't know it would be such a touchy topic.

mopars have their own language. don't say "posi" either, it's a suregrip and the steering box is a "chuck". later we can discuss fraztog

 

[70Duster340]

mopars have their own language. don't say "posi" either, it's a suregrip and the steering box is a "chuck". later we can discuss fraztog

I've been a Mopar fan since my first car. I know about the posi vs. Suregrip (now anti-spin). It's just how it was described on the internet when I did a search, using the term "steering coupler", so I didn't think I was doing any harm. I also didn't realize how expensive a replacement steering coupler would be.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Steering coupler, what you car should have...

Rag joint, what your car should not have...

There are inexpensive rebuild kits for the steering coupler, just one example...

Mopar OEM Steering Shaft Coupler Rebuild Kit 4443436AC CHRYSLER Dodge Plymouth for sale online | eBay

 

[Ron816]

You know this guy was just looking for some help and you guys that have to berate him and show him how much he doesn’t know that’s not cool

 

[toolmanmike]

The steering coupler can be rebuilt and all pats are still available. Type steering coupler in the search box. Mega Parts USA - Reproduction, NOS and Used Mopar Muscle Car Parts

 

[66fyssh]

I also didn't realize how expensive a replacement steering coupler would be.

Unless it's been crushed or damaged, just rebuild yours. There is even a how-to on here.

Steering Coupler Rebuild "How To"

 

[70Duster340]

Thanks folks, for all the replies and the attached links.

 

[66fyssh]

By the way, I replaced all the front bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints, and torsion bars.

But rebuilding the steering coupler made more difference in the way it drove than all the above!!