Steering shaft binding

[78k10bro]

I cut off the rag joint on my k10 to help with the slop in the steering, now the steering is a lot tighter but harder to turn. Could it be binding? It also has cross over steering that’s brand new.

 

[nvrenuf]

What did you put in place of the rag joint?

 

[CalSgt]

I cut off the rag joint on my k10 to help with the slop in the steering, now the steering is a lot tighter but harder to turn. Could it be binding? It also has cross over steering that’s brand new.

So did you replace the rag joint with a new one or a universal joint or what?

 

[CalSgt]

What did you put in place of the rag joint?

Beat me to it...

 

[78k10bro]

I just bolted the pieces that connect the shaft and the box together

 

[CalSgt]

I just bolted the pieces that connect the shaft and the box together

Rag joint allows for a little misalignment of the shaft and steering box. I’d start there…

If you are looking for a tighter sportier steering feel than a rag joint there’s a few threads on this forum where guys have figured how to swap in Jeep Cherokee (I think) steering shaft’s

 

[SquareRoot]

Yup. I did it. Great mod and bolts right in without creating a death trap. Lol

 

[Jawzjeep]

You can go to speedway and get all kinds of builder parts to make your own. I got this one for a different truck but they have a ton of different options in spline count or d shaft style with weld on or through bolt version. All with needle bearing u joints. I got 2 of these joints and a shaft for IIRC under $100. Correct splines on 1 side and a hole in the other to take a 3/4" round bar shaft.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[R Carnella]

Just bolting the pieces together without the rag joint will absolutely cause a binding condition.
And most likely will eventually break and come apart.