Borgeson 940 or 943? one or Two U-Joints, Rag or not?

[FSecosky]

I am looking at Borgeson's site and Summits site and our advertiser at dodgesteering.com. They all have a 'one u-joint' 940 (regular duty) shaft and a 'two u-joint' 943 (Xtreme duty) shaft. It says you can do the 2 joint if your Rag Joint is removable from the steering column. The rag joint is at the top of the shaft near the column correct? What do I need to look at to verify it is removeable? The 943 (2 joint) is actually cheaper than the 940 on Summits site... I think I like the idea of having two joints instead of just one and a rag... what do you guys think, and what have you guys installed? I just want my steering tight! It is soooo sloppy now!

 

[paccool]

I have a D250 and used the 940 with a new rag joint. It worked fine. If I had a 4x4 I would have gone with the 2 joint model.

 

[JLEONARD]

I think what Stan did is the right way to go. The 2 wd has such a small operating angle that there is no need for 2 ujoints.

The rag coupling should be attached by bolts.

BTW the oems generally use grade 10. 9 (metric) bolts that have a locking patch on all connections. Trust me ( I do this for a living)... it is important to use good grade bolts and the proper torque.

FYI Small operating angle means low loads which means long life. The rag coupling is an isolator whose function is to isolate the road noise from travelling up the column and turning into vibration and noise under certain conditions (the steering wheel can act as a "speaker" of sorts).



Jay

 

[RailroadJim]

The rag joint as a speaker? Does that mean there might be(or is) excess vibration up the column with the 943? I just bought a W250 and planned on the 943 in the future, has anyone here installed the 943 w/good results? Or is there something built in for shock or play in the 943?

 

[JLEONARD]

Does that mean there might be (or is) excess vibration up the column with the 943

There might be...

All the oem steering shafts we make for anything with power steering (I think it's all power steering today) has an isolator of some type in it to prevent vibration/noise from transmitting up the column.

This is a very subjective thing... the automakers pay a lot of attention to the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) characteristics of a steering system... . the shaft being one part of that system.

It is also VERY subjective... one driver may not feel or hear anything, while another will be very sensitive to it.

All I'm saying is that if you are one of the more discerning drivers, you may feel vibration and hear the steering pump noise if you eliminate the rag coupling.

As far as durability goes, in my opinion the two types of shafts should be considered lifetime of the truck.

The wild card in how they will feel for responsiveness is the "flexibility" of the rag coupling... if its worn it may feel a little "softer" (will have a little more freeplay in rotation).

Hopefully that helps explain things a bit.

Maybe some of the guys who have put the 2 ujoint shaft can give us a heads up as far as what if anything they feel for NVH characteristics. These trucks are a bit harsh anyway so maybe it's a moot point.

Jay

 

[EZeis]

I bought the 940 and a new rag joint. Haven't installed it yet though. The reason I bought the 940 was to keep the rag joint. I didn't want any road/steering problems ending up at my hands. Also, I believe I read that Borgeson didn't recommend the two joint shaft for street use. They stated to use the two joint shaft for offroad and extreme conditions.



Earl

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

I had the 'rag joint' style installed over two years ago and never a days' trouble with it... personally I don't think the extra cost is merited... . besides, I think you have to actually cut/trim the shaft's overall length to make a double 'uni' fit..... too much work and too much $$$... .



pb,,,,