4WD Steering Shaft Question

[Wiredawg]

Fellow Rammers:



I have about 2" of slop at the steering wheel on my '93 4WD and most of the slop is in a rectangular steel apparatus on the steering shaft at the connection point to the steering gear box. FSM shows it but doesn't identify it. What is it, what does it do and is there any way to tighten it up?



Thanks,



Wiredawg

 

[RBergman]

it can be rebuilt i got kit from dodge for around 10. 00 i dont have the part number handy at the moment after the rebuild failed , i replaced the shaft

with the double u-joint borg. shaft

 

[BHiggins]

Go with the Borgeson unit. I replaced three of those before going to the Borgeson one on the fourth try... I never replaced it again and when I sold the truck with over 300,000 miles, the Borgeson joint had over 100,000 miles on it and not an ounce of play.

 

[Highfinance97]

Here is another choice. http://www.flaming-river.com/

Michaelhttp://www.flaming-riv

 

[Wiredawg]

Thanks all for the recommendations. I was planning on eventually replacing the entire shaft w/ an aftermarket one. Interestingl point is the rag joint is good and not sloppy, which is what I thought the weak point was on the OEM steering shaft.



I'm still curious about what function does this component perform? Is it a slide yoke?



Thanks, Wiredawg

 

[1stgen4evr]

The culprit in question is called the 'pot joint' in the trade and there have been millions made. When trucks were lighter and only lasted 100k miles, they were fine. If you take it apart you will see that it allows some misalignment (like a universal joint). Also the position of mounting on the first gens is such that it is constantly blasted with grit and water from the tire. If it had something of a cover over it, it would certainly hold up much better. Some vehicles have all the steering stuff inside the frame and well away from contamination. I have replaced a couple and have made accomodation to shield it better. I have found it to be very satisfactory on my non fwd trucks. Clearly, the Borgsen is good stuff and will eliminate your trouble forever.



James

 

[Wiredawg]

1stgen4evr:



Thanks for the explanation.



Wiredawg

 

[mllott]

I just installed the Borgeson shaft (P/N 940), and it was WAY easier to do than rebuilding the "pot joint. " The steering feels VERY nice now. I recommend it highly.

Mark