Rag Joint - worn, unnecessary, want to delete it

[gifu]

What is the purpose of a rag-joint?

The 80 has one right before the steering shaft goes through the firewall. Mine doesn't _look_ worn or cracked, but the lower part of the steering shaft (the part that travels through the firewall and connects, via a cv joint, to the steering box) has enough side-to-side movement that the brake pedal catches it. (yikes!)

So... if the steering wheel is in just the right angle (like driving a clover-leaf getting on the freeway), the brake pedal will catch the steering-shaft linkage... scares the crap out of me.

So... i can either replace the rag joint, or just remove it and weld the shaft into one piece. Why would I remove it? Well it sounds like it's common for the rag joint to allow enough movement to tear the dust shield on the firewall. Also, it seems unnecessary (FJ40 Flaming River set up doesn't use it, FJ60's didn't use it, etc.).

 

[Chaldaean]

I don't know much about rag-joints, but I would guess that you'd get more road vibration transmitted to the steering wheel after removing it.

Maybe a significant reason for it being there is for the luxury feel; something in short supply on the FJ40s and FJ60s that you used in your comparison.

 

[96r50]

I just ordered a new rag joint and dust seal. Mine is pretty sloppy, and seems to be causing/contributing to some vagueness and erratic movement in the steering.

 

[80t0ylc]

I think it's in there for satety in a headon collision or when you meet the immovable object. It make's it collapsible so as not to let the steering wheel and shaft make you and your seat into a BBQ skewer party. I looked at mine and it has at least an inch of clearance between rag joint and brake pedal arm with no side to side play. I'd get it replaced vs eliminating the joint, for safety's sake. Just an opinion.

 

[gifu]

both intermediate shafts are collapsible... so it's not a safety thing. I mean... adding a flexible rubber coupler to my steering doesn't scream saftety to me.

i think it really is there for road vibration and "luxury feel". Brand new 70 series don't have them. It just seems silly to have it. It seems so... 1970's (they used to use them on driveshafts, too).

 

[80t0ylc]

both intermediate shafts are collapsible... so it's not a safety thing. I mean... adding a flexible rubber coupler to my steering doesn't scream saftety to me.

i think it really is there for road vibration and "luxury feel". Brand new 70 series don't have them. It just seems silly to have it. It seems so... 1970's (they used to use them on driveshafts, too).

Ok, you learn something everyday! I googled rag joint and got wiki definition. They say nothing about safety - just dampening. I'd pull it out if it's interfering with your brake pedal. That sounds scarey to me! Not to mention having a worn rag joint give out on you while you're driving and cause you to lose control.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Gifu,

What vehicle do you own that is the subject of this post??

 

[gifu]

1996 80 series.

 

[-Spike-]

Had one in my '81 Toy pickup, doubt it was the luxury edition. Could have sworn there was one in my '76 40 as well. Replacing it with new would fix any sloppiness, what's the point in deleting it?

 

[lt1fire]

I've been thinking of doing this also.... is this a hugely expensive venture??