Is a rag joint really needed
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Is a rag joint really needed
Was the purpose of the rag joint to reduce vibration only. Why not use a ujoint. I am most likely going to put in a Jeep steering box and was thinking to eliminate the rag joint all together and use a Borgeson joint. There was a thread a few days ago about a Borgeson joint that was used but I never heard back if it was succesful.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: Monroe North Carolina
My jeep box kit came with a u joint type joint to eliminate the rag joint. Ive seen some cars that have the jeep bo and rag joint on though. It woulf be a very good guess that it reduces vibrations in my opinion.
Bobby
Bobby
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 172
From: Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
I used Borgeson u-joints and shaft a few years back when I built my 56 F-100. It had a 76 Nova front clip with no rag joint and I got zilch vibration from the shaft. Both Borgeson and Flaming River should be able to supply you with a bolt in u-joint.
I have used Borgeson parts in other projects and in my opinion their parts are first class.
I have used Borgeson parts in other projects and in my opinion their parts are first class.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Perfect. Just what I wanted to hear. That one vettfixr uses looks like it goes to the stock box. Just have to find one that goes from the stock steering clolumn to the Jeep box. One was listed here earlier but I never did hear if it fit correctly. It was listed as a Borgeson joint 8DDx148. Can anyone confirm this is a useable joint for this setup.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Perfect. Just what I wanted to hear. That one vettfixr uses looks like it goes to the stock box. Just have to find one that goes from the stock steering clolumn to the Jeep box. One was listed here earlier but I never did hear if it fit correctly. It was listed as a Borgeson joint 8DDx148. Can anyone confirm this is a useable joint for this setup.
When I got mine I called Flaming River directly for guidance and then ordered from Summit. The Flaming River people were very nice to deal with. They have a lot of products and probably have something to fit your situation . They are very heavy into hot rod and street rod products so I'm sure they are used to strange combinations. I would call them and see if they can help.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
No mods whatsoever. The only thing that is a little difficult is getting both shafts lined up so the steering wheel is straight. Also, it was easier to drop the steering box and insert the u-joint than it was to pull the steering column. You may feel differently.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
Here is some good reading on the subject: http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com. click on the Paper titled Everything You ever wanted to know about Steering Couplers and more.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 434
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland Ohio
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 103
From: Centerville Louisiana
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
I'm looking to install one of those U-joints this weekend. Part should be here today or tomorrow.
Is there any trick to getting the steering wheel straight and centered? I see the flat on the steering shaft,and would have guessed the set screw on the U-joint would best be positioned there on the flat.
I too pulled the box,as opposed to dropping the steering column,for clean up,and swapping over from the power steering to manual steering pitman arm.
Is there any trick to getting the steering wheel straight and centered? I see the flat on the steering shaft,and would have guessed the set screw on the U-joint would best be positioned there on the flat.
I too pulled the box,as opposed to dropping the steering column,for clean up,and swapping over from the power steering to manual steering pitman arm.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Was the purpose of the rag joint to reduce vibration only. Why not use a ujoint. I am most likely going to put in a Jeep steering box and was thinking to eliminate the rag joint all together and use a Borgeson joint. There was a thread a few days ago about a Borgeson joint that was used but I never heard back if it was succesful.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 403
From: Nashville TN
St. Jude Donor '09
This has been a very helpful post . . . thanks. I was looking at replacing my rag joint to get rid of the slop. This looks interesting and I'll have to give it serious consideration. At $70, it's pretty attractive, especially if it get's rid of that annoying play.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 103
From: Centerville Louisiana
I'm looking to install one of those U-joints this weekend. Part should be here today or tomorrow.
Is there any trick to getting the steering wheel straight and centered? I see the flat on the steering shaft,and would have guessed the set screw on the U-joint would best be positioned there on the flat.
I too pulled the box,as opposed to dropping the steering column,for clean up,and swapping over from the power steering to manual steering pitman arm.
Is there any trick to getting the steering wheel straight and centered? I see the flat on the steering shaft,and would have guessed the set screw on the U-joint would best be positioned there on the flat.
I too pulled the box,as opposed to dropping the steering column,for clean up,and swapping over from the power steering to manual steering pitman arm.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Yes the Borgeson one fits and works great.
No play, no binding, direct fit right out of the box from the jeep box to the stock steering column. I beleive you can get it right from Summit Racing.
No play, no binding, direct fit right out of the box from the jeep box to the stock steering column. I beleive you can get it right from Summit Racing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
I'm looking to install one of those U-joints this weekend. Part should be here today or tomorrow.
Is there any trick to getting the steering wheel straight and centered? I see the flat on the steering shaft,and would have guessed the set screw on the U-joint would best be positioned there on the flat.
I too pulled the box,as opposed to dropping the steering column,for clean up,and swapping over from the power steering to manual steering pitman arm.
Is there any trick to getting the steering wheel straight and centered? I see the flat on the steering shaft,and would have guessed the set screw on the U-joint would best be positioned there on the flat.
I too pulled the box,as opposed to dropping the steering column,for clean up,and swapping over from the power steering to manual steering pitman arm.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 13
From: ar
I highly recommend the ujoint, the only problem is they are a little longer than most rag joints and you might have to move column back some. It really gives a much more positive feel in hard cornering.
