Rag Joint replacement - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Steven B** · 10-12-2005, 10:35 AM

Any one replace a rag joint? How do you get the round studs off the coupler?

shifty · 10-12-2005, 11:13 AM

I bought a replacement kit the other day from local auto chain because I'm doing steering upgrade (pitman/idler arms, tie rods, adding power steering).

I took my coupler off from the shaft and went out to pick up a new rag joint for $6 from Advanced Auto Parts. Inside the kit, it looks like the studs are threaded on the side opposite the smooth end - and I know exactly what you mean, it looks impossible. There has to be a good way to get them on and off, but I don't know it and my manual doesn't say.

**Steven B** · 10-12-2005, 11:17 AM

It looks like the end of the threaded part has been peened(?) over like a rivit or something. My replacement rag joint has threaded ends on the round studs, but can't figure out how to remove them.

max71c10 · 07-02-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven B

It looks like the end of the threaded part has been peened(?) over like a rivit or something. My replacement rag joint has threaded ends on the round studs, but can't figure out how to remove them.

did u ever find out how to git the bolt with a threaded side and a smooth side on the rag joint off? i really need to know im tryin to drive my truck by tonight

msgross · 07-02-2010, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max71c10

did u ever find out how to git the bolt with a threaded side and a smooth side on the rag joint off? i really need to know im tryin to drive my truck by tonight

after 5 years he might have given up... good luck though...

**leddzepp** · 07-02-2010, 02:47 PM

max71c10 · 07-02-2010, 02:48 PM

can anyone help or get help? >:/

**leddzepp** · 07-02-2010, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max71c10

did u ever find out how to git the bolt with a threaded side and a smooth side on the rag joint off? i really need to know im tryin to drive my truck by tonight

Put the smooth side in a vice to hold it tight. Use a wrench to unbolt it. Simple 5 min job. Here is a side view of mine after I did it. The entire assembly comes off of the steering box. Loosen the collar and it slides right off the splines. You re-use the metal frame (coupler) and replace the rubber disc (rag joint) and hardware. The kit is avaiable in the HELP section of most major auto parts stores for about $10.

max71c10 · 07-03-2010, 02:42 AM

thanks for picture and info but the 2 bolts with smooth tops dont have nuts on the ends the back of the bolts where the threads are just turn when i turn the smooth side. ill get a pic of it saturday afternoon, so please look at this thread around that time.

**leddzepp** · 07-03-2010, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max71c10

thanks for picture and info but the 2 bolts with smooth tops dont have nuts on the ends the back of the bolts where the threads are just turn when i turn the smooth side. ill get a pic of it saturday afternoon, so please look at this thread around that time.

The HELP kit comes with new hardware. You can grind/cut off the old bolts and attach the new rag joint with the supplied hardware. In the future, should you need to replace the ragjoint again, its a simple matter of unbolting the assembly.

max71c10 · 07-05-2010, 03:29 AM

yep, thats what i did. i grinded the back of the bolts, pulled em out, then replace the sum*****. its workin now, i appreciate yer help.

10-12-2005, 10:35 AM	#1
Steven B Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: LHC, AZ Posts: 385	Rag Joint replacement Any one replace a rag joint? How do you get the round studs off the coupler?

10-12-2005, 11:13 AM	#2
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	I bought a replacement kit the other day from local auto chain because I'm doing steering upgrade (pitman/idler arms, tie rods, adding power steering). I took my coupler off from the shaft and went out to pick up a new rag joint for $6 from Advanced Auto Parts. Inside the kit, it looks like the studs are threaded on the side opposite the smooth end - and I know exactly what you mean, it looks impossible. There has to be a good way to get them on and off, but I don't know it and my manual doesn't say. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

07-02-2010, 02:47 PM	#6
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,005	Re: Rag Joint replacement __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

07-02-2010, 02:48 PM	#7
max71c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Columbus, GA Posts: 27	Re: Rag Joint replacement can anyone help or get help? >:/

07-03-2010, 02:42 AM	#9
max71c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Columbus, GA Posts: 27	Re: Rag Joint replacement thanks for picture and info but the 2 bolts with smooth tops dont have nuts on the ends the back of the bolts where the threads are just turn when i turn the smooth side. ill get a pic of it saturday afternoon, so please look at this thread around that time.

10-12-2005, 11:17 AM	#3
Steven B Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: LHC, AZ Posts: 385	It looks like the end of the threaded part has been peened(?) over like a rivit or something. My replacement rag joint has threaded ends on the round studs, but can't figure out how to remove them.

07-05-2010, 03:29 AM	#11
max71c10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Columbus, GA Posts: 27	Re: Rag Joint replacement yep, thats what i did. i grinded the back of the bolts, pulled em out, then replace the sum****. its workin now, i appreciate yer help. Last edited by max71c10; 07-05-2010 at 03:29 AM.*



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