Is this rag joint coupler bad, and where to get a good replacement? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 08-28-2018, 07:01 PM

I was rebuilding my rag joint when I noticed the inside of the original coupler may be worn. My first thought was yeah it's toast, but I'm not so sure. Seems the shaft on the steering box would show more wear. Can anyone confirm?

Quality replacement rag joints anyone? At a glance they look to run $25-$70ish.

Thanks

88gtstreetrod · 08-28-2018, 07:09 PM

The flat spot on the steering shaft and the smooth part on the coupler line up. The parts shown look to be in decent shape to me.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 08-28-2018, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88gtstreetrod

The flat spot on the steering shaft and the smooth part on the coupler line up. The parts shown look to be in decent shape to me.

Both the coupler and shaft have a flat spot. The flat area on the coupler is shown on the right in the picture. Essentially I'm looking for confirmation the splines shown in the coupler (between the arrows) is all there was.

Strikes me odd the manufacturer would build a coupler with fewer splines than the shaft, but then I have nothing to compare it to, and kinda green anyhow.

88gtstreetrod · 08-28-2018, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Both the coupler and shaft have a flat spot. The flat area on the coupler is shown on the right in the picture. Essentially I'm looking for confirmation the splines shown in the coupler (between the arrows) is all there was.

Strikes me odd the manufacturer would build a coupler with fewer splines than the shaft, but then I have nothing to compare it to, and kinda green anyhow.

If the area between the arrows is the only part on the rag joint that has splines, then you are probably missing some splines due to wear. My rag joint was about 70% spline and 30% flat area.

71meangreenc10 · 08-28-2018, 10:45 PM

Lares Part Number 200 or 201 depending on the size of the shaft. I get them from RockAuto, They are made in USA and very good quality. Less than $20 + shipping.

Smitty

**Steeveedee** · 08-28-2018, 10:53 PM

It doesn't slide. Once those splines are properly engaged, that shaft isn't going to lose registration on the clamping part, end of story. And I live in southern California, where we won't buy a vehicle if there is a bubble anywhere in the paint.

mike16 · 08-29-2018, 01:04 AM

clean it up with a small wire brush.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 08-29-2018, 12:24 PM

Thanks for all the info. I'm not convinced the old one is bad, but just in case, I'll order the Lares part.

71meangreenc10 · 08-29-2018, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Thanks for all the info. I'm not convinced the old one is bad, but just in case, I'll order the Lares part.

You wont be disappointed.

Smitty

08-28-2018, 07:01 PM	#1
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,118	Is this rag joint coupler bad, and where to get a good replacement? I was rebuilding my rag joint when I noticed the inside of the original coupler may be worn. My first thought was yeah it's toast, but I'm not so sure. Seems the shaft on the steering box would show more wear. Can anyone confirm? Quality replacement rag joints anyone? At a glance they look to run $25-$70ish. Thanks Attached Images __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assm. guide "kit" for restoring it from ground up. With assys, the guide accts for 1000s of OEM identifications and part numbers, all written in short order. 700+ images include assm, illust., charts, and points of interest. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM trucks, and to a lessor degree all 67-72 GM vehicles. My build thread, and more on the guide https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

08-28-2018, 07:09 PM	#2
88gtstreetrod Registered User Join Date: May 2018 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 45	Re: Is this rag joint coupler bad, and where to get a good replacement? The flat spot on the steering shaft and the smooth part on the coupler line up. The parts shown look to be in decent shape to me.

08-28-2018, 10:45 PM	#5
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,158	Re: Is this rag joint coupler bad, and where to get a good replacement? Lares Part Number 200 or 201 depending on the size of the shaft. I get them from RockAuto, They are made in USA and very good quality. Less than $20 + shipping. Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time

08-28-2018, 10:53 PM	#6
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,088	Re: Is this rag joint coupler bad, and where to get a good replacement? It doesn't slide. Once those splines are properly engaged, that shaft isn't going to lose registration on the clamping part, end of story. And I live in southern California, where we won't buy a vehicle if there is a bubble anywhere in the paint. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

08-29-2018, 01:04 AM	#7
mike16 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: bisbee, arizona Posts: 1,529	Re: Is this rag joint coupler bad, and where to get a good replacement? clean it up with a small wire brush.

08-29-2018, 12:24 PM	#8
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,118	Re: Is this rag joint coupler bad, and where to get a good replacement? Thanks for all the info. I'm not convinced the old one is bad, but just in case, I'll order the Lares part. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assm. guide "kit" for restoring it from ground up. With assys, the guide accts for 1000s of OEM identifications and part numbers, all written in short order. 700+ images include assm, illust., charts, and points of interest. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM trucks, and to a lessor degree all 67-72 GM vehicles. My build thread, and more on the guide https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025



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