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.