Question on the Comparison of a New, Quality Rag Joint to U-joint Coupler

[Dejure]

A new question I haven't found a clear answer to, after reading a lot of posts across several sites:

Would I see significant gain by going with a u-joint coupler instead of a good quality rag joint.

Every post I read talks about a huge improvement after a coupler was replaced, BUT, except where there are angle issues, the posts state there was a huge improvement indicated to be because the replaced coupler was failing. Accordingly, even a new, cheap rag joint would result in improvement.

Thus my question. And I am even more interested in knowing how much of an improvement I'd see using a double U-joint coupler over a rag joint because I am going to be going over the entire front end (shocks, ball joints, idler. pitman, tie rod ends, all bushing, and a new Redhed gearbox) and want my truck to handle as tightly as my old 69 did decades ago (it was great after the changes noted).

 

[Ricko1966]

A third thing to throw into the equation. GM made different steering couplers besides different sizes and diameters. The made 4 ply and 7 ply. 7 ply was tougher and more rigid,manual steering got 7 ply,Corvettes got 7 ply and close ratio boxes got 7 ply. Personally I'd put on a 7 ply and call it a day. The reason for the rubber rag joint is to isolate sound and vibration from traveling up the steering shaft.

 

[SquareRoot]

I noticed a difference when I did the Jeep Shaft Mod. Kind of like the difference of an auto trans and a manual trans. It "feels" more responsive.

 

[dd1990]

Why did GM get rid of rag joint and use a U-joint on the c3500 steering shaft? IDK, but what I do know is the u-joint offers better feel of the road, a bit more road vibration yes, but the slop is minimized.

 

[edgephoto]

I decided to stick with my rag joint. The resto shop owner where my truck is now put one in his Ford pickup he restored. He said he hated the vibration he felt and he went back to a rag joint.

 

[Dejure]

AND, there is indication U-Joints are an All-Or-Nothing thing. That is, when they go, steering is gone. Rag joints just get sloppier and sloppier.

 

[Dejure]

Now comes the question, what's a favored brand of rag joint?

A fellow at Redhead Steering Gears said just don't go cheap. Nothing below the $50.00 dollar mark. I have no problem biting the bullet and going with even a $100.00 unit, in light of that it'll last another 40 years (longer than my 74 year old but will last).

 

[Rustisbest]

Why did GM get rid of rag joint and use a U-joint on the c3500 steering shaft? IDK, but what I do know is the u-joint offers better feel of the road, a bit more road vibration yes, but the slop is minimized.

Because the average C3500 driver isn't gonna have soft hands and drinking Starbucks with his pinky out lol

 

[Ricko1966]

Why did GM get rid of rag joint and use a U-joint on the c3500 steering shaft? IDK, but what I do know is the u-joint offers better feel of the road, a bit more road vibration yes, but the slop is minimized.

The slop is minimized when new. A new 7 layer ragjoint doesn't feel sloppy compared to a worn out 5 layer rag joint either. I've changed plenty of worn out ujoint steering shafts in the past. Even used 2 to make one good one before when I had 2 that both had 1 sloppy joint. I'm not saying universal shafts are bad,I'm just saying the aren't magic. They won't make you more popular or better looking.

 

[idahovette]

^^^^DAMN^^^^^

 

[1lejohn]

The slop is minimized when new. A new 7 layer ragjoint doesn't feel sloppy compared to a worn out 5 layer rag joint either. I've changed plenty of worn out ujoint steering shafts in the past. Even used 2 to make one good one before when I had 2 that both had 1 sloppy joint. I'm not saying universal shafts are bad,I'm just saying the aren't magic. They won't make you more popular or better looking.

They do magically add 20 horsepower.

 

[Grit dog]

The slop is minimized when new. A new 7 layer ragjoint doesn't feel sloppy compared to a worn out 5 layer rag joint either. I've changed plenty of worn out ujoint steering shafts in the past. Even used 2 to make one good one before when I had 2 that both had 1 sloppy joint. I'm not saying universal shafts are bad,I'm just saying the aren't magic. They won't make you more popular or better looking.

What he said.
The Jeep steering shaft mod is good but remember that these things drove well with rag joints before they got old and wore out.
Plus you have a 2wd on little tires, pavement pounder. Your steering system isn’t getting worked very hard or abused presumably.