Steering Rag Joint Delete

[Headhoncho]

OK, I'm stupid on this one...

Never had a problem with, nor ever paid attention to any rag-joint issues. So question is: What typically goes wrong with rag-joints such that an XJ lower shaft would be more better?

It's a good upgrade if you run a bodylift too. Will definately pick up a couple since there are a ton of XJ's at my local yard.



JR

[budojeepr]

I did the swap last weekend. A couple notes from my experience...

- I had to take the entire radiator/AC condenser assembly off because the GC shaft would not telescope in (to make it short enough to remove).
- take the clamp bolt from the newer shaft home with you.
- A few good whacks with the small sledge got both sets to separate.
- The new lower shaft was quite a bit shorter than my '81 Wag shaft.

Looks good enough, though.

[Driftwood]

So what is the purpose of the rag joint?

[Nick1224]

I think it is supposed to dampen feedback and harshnes. I don't think any of us care about that. It also flexes to allow tiny off axis movement.

[89wagdrvr]

I got a steering shaft off a 96 xj. Shaft looks identical to the one in the post. I can't get mine to come apart. Any suggestions.

[The Colonel]

I got a steering shaft off a 96 xj. Shaft looks identical to the one in the post. I can't get mine to come apart. Any suggestions.

I hit it with an air hammer and it came right out.

[Nick1224]

Yup, big hammer smashing got it seperated. Feels good, but I guess I have to wait for the drivetrain to actually be in the Jeep and working to really rate it . Certainly looks better than the worn out rag joint!